Pickleball Takes Flight in Red Wing: In an exciting display of community spirit, David Anderson, Johnny Ostberg, Denny Yecke, and Margaret Johnson took to their paddles to inaugurate the newly built pickleball courts at Colvill Park on October 22. A vibrant crowd gathered, clad in “Red Wing Pickleball” shirts and armed with folding chairs, ready to support the four pioneers of the sport in Red Wing.
“C’mon, Denny! My money’s on you!” echoed a voice from the sidelines as the players volleyed back and forth, the energy noticeable. In a moment of levity, Johnny Ostberg quipped, “The pressure is enormous!” The first game not only marked the opening of the courts but also highlighted years of dedication that made this moment possible.
A Dream Realized
Following the match, the local pickleball players convened at the park building for a celebratory lunch, reflecting on the journey that brought them to this day. For Denny Yecke, playing on the new pickleball courts was nothing short of a dream come true.
“like a dream come true.” – (Denny Yecke)
At 92 years old, Denny Yecke is the oldest member of Red Wing’s pickleball community and was chosen to play in this historic game due to his status as one of the sport’s earliest adopters in the area.
“I play all the time to keep these kids in line.” – (Denny Yecke)
Denny Yecke, who first encountered pickleball while playing in Arizona, recalls how Anderson introduced the game to Red Wing back in 2008. Initially, it was just the four of them on the court, but as others watched and joined, the sport began to flourish.
“It’s great to see everyone at Colvill Park.” – (Denny Yecke)
From Humble Beginnings to Community Phenomenon
Anderson, a former employee at the Red Wing YMCA, was on a mission to diversify after-school sports programs for middle school students when he stumbled upon pickleball. After securing equipment and an instructional CD, the excitement spread rapidly among the kids.
Yet, adults were initially slow to catch on. However, the dedication of early players like Margaret Johnson and Johnny Ostberg helped turn the tide. “Then it boomed all over the country, and Red Wing was right there with them.” Anderson noted, reflecting on the exponential growth of the sport.
The addition of dedicated pickleball courts has been a game changer for Red Wing. Anderson emphasized their potential to enhance residents’ mental, physical, and social well-being, all while fostering a sense of community. “This location is just beautiful. The crew that made this happen worked very, very hard.” he stated, paying tribute to the efforts that went into the project.
A Collaborative Effort for a Community Asset
The new pickleball courts were not merely the result of enthusiasm but a result of collaboration between city officials and passionate pickleball fans. The community raised an impressive $305,000 to cover construction and maintenance costs.
A board at the courts acknowledges numerous donors, with significant contributions from the HEJ Field Foundation, Red Wing Area Fund, Jones Family Foundation, Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation, and the Wings Foundation.
“It’s been really a great experience to work in collaboration with the city and have a volunteer group recognizing just how important pickleball can be to the community at large and to see it finished, now everybody will be able to benefit from it.” said Tim Sletten, who spearheaded the fundraising effort. The project, which took three years from concept to completion, is a testament to the determination of those involved.
As news of Red Wing’s new pickleball courts spreads, the community has begun receiving inquiries from pickleball groups across Minnesota. Daniel Osterman from the USA 4 Veterans Foundation attended the grand opening, expressing interest in potentially relocating their annual pickleball challenge for veterans to Red Wing next year.
The Social Benefits of Pickleball
Tim Sletten emphasized the social aspect of pickleball, noting,
“It gets people together. This isn’t an activity that you have to have a great deal of skill. It’s low impact so virtually anybody can learn the game and play, young or old.” – (Tim Sletten)
The sport has particularly resonated with older residents, helping them connect and stay active. The friendship fostered by pickleball has proven invaluable, providing new residents with opportunities to meet locals and build friendships.
Anderson highlighted the sport’s accessibility for children compared to tennis, while Denny Yecke, at 92, embodies the multi-generational appeal of the game. “It’s such a multi-generational activity.” he affirmed, showing the game’s ability to bridge age gaps.
News in Brief: Pickleball Takes Flight in Red Wing
Red Wing celebrated the grand opening of its new pickleball courts at Colvill Park on October 22, marking a significant milestone for the community. Inaugural players Denny Yecke, David Anderson, Johnny Ostberg, and Margaret Johnson led the festivities, reflecting on the sport’s growth since its introduction in 2008.
Funded through community efforts, the courts promise to enhance residents’ social, mental, and physical well-being, drawing interest from various groups across Minnesota.
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