Grand Opening of Red Wing’s New Pickleball Courts at Colvill Park
Red Wing Pickleball Courts Grand Opening Draws Crowd
Red Wing residents gathered at Colvill Park on October 22 to witness the grand opening of the city’s new pickleball courts. The event featured a friendly game between David Anderson, Johnny Ostberg, Denny Yecke, and Margaret Johnson, who were chosen to play the inaugural match.
The crowd, donning “Red Wing Pickleball” shirts, cheered on the players as they volleyed the ball back and forth over the net. Ostberg joked about the pressure of the moment, adding to the excitement of the game.
After the match, the pickleball players enjoyed a celebratory lunch at the park building, reflecting on the years of hard work that went into making the new courts a reality. Yecke, at 92 years old, is the oldest player in Red Wing’s pickleball group and expressed his joy at playing on the new courts.
The journey to bring pickleball to Red Wing began in 2008 when Anderson introduced the sport to the community. Initially, it was just the four players on the court, but over the years, the group has grown significantly. Anderson credited Johnson and Ostberg for being early recruits who helped popularize the sport in the area.
The new pickleball courts at Colvill Park were made possible through a collaboration between pickleball enthusiasts and the city of Red Wing. Supporters raised $305,000 to fund the construction and maintenance costs of the courts, with major donors including the HEJ Field Foundation, Red Wing Area Fund, and Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation.
The success of the project has garnered attention from pickleball groups across Minnesota, with inquiries about how Red Wing built their courts. Tim Sletten, who led the fundraising effort, emphasized the importance of pickleball as a physical and social activity that benefits residents of all ages.
Pickleball has become a popular pastime in Red Wing, bringing together people from different generations and backgrounds. The sport’s accessibility and inclusivity have made it a favorite among residents, providing a fun and engaging way to stay active and socialize.
As Red Wing’s pickleball community continues to grow, the new courts at Colvill Park serve as a testament to the dedication and passion of those who worked tirelessly to make them a reality. The future looks bright for pickleball in Red Wing, with the sport poised to bring even more people together in the spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.
