Written by: Joe Kerlin, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry
The Sheboygan Parks Department is excited to announce that the Vollrath Park tennis courts will be replaced with two new tennis courts and three new pickleball courts. The courts are being completely renovated with new asphalt and fencing. The two tennis courts will also have yellow lines for pickleball play just like the newly painted courts in Deland Park. These courts are available for tennis and pickleball play. The three new pickleball courts will be the City of Sheboygan’s first courts built in a city park.
Pickleball courts
What is pickleball? It is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules somewhat similar to tennis, with several modifications.
The pickleball craze has taken off because the game is multi-generational, low impact, and easier on the joints than tennis, and very social. The cost of two wood paddles and a few balls starts at about $20.00. Pickleball has been actively promoted in our area and the Sheboygan Falls Pickleball Club was formed. Interest grew, and Sheboygan County now has over 90 active players that play in many of the towns and cities in the county including Sheboygan. More information can be found at pickleballsheboygan.blogspot.com
DPW crew removing fencing at the Vollrath Park tennis courts
The City’s DPW crew took advantage of the mild weather in mid-January and began the renovation project by removing the fencing around the old tennis courts. Construction of the new courts will begin this spring and it is anticipated that they will be ready for play in late summer 2019.