Players Ace Pickleball Tourney in Three Lakes
Hundreds of players turned out last weekend for the 11th annual Three Lakes Pickleball Club tournament held at Don Burnside Park.
Players of all skill levels were welcomed to take part in the family-friendly event which drew 162 players from across Wisconsin and surrounding states. Saturday's competition included doubles play by 23 women's teams and 38 men's teams, followed by 41 mixed doubles teams that competed on Sunday, July 13.
Although a brief rain shower paused play for a short time on Saturday morning, some teams were able to move to the Three Lakes High School to finish the tournament.
Spectators are always invited to watch the tournament free of charge. Concession stand items were sold throughout which will benefit the Three Lakes Christian Food Pantry.
One rain shower delayed play on Saturday morning, forcing some teams to compete at the tournament's rain location at Three Lakes High School, but otherwise the weather held for the two-day tournament on July 12-13.
Club History
The Three Lakes Pickleball Club is a nonprofit, community-focused club with a goal of creating a positive play experience for all ability levels.
Town residents brought the popular game to Three Lakes in 2010, and through their efforts it has continued to grow. After initially using pickleball lines painted on the town's tennis courts to play, the club in 2019 recognized the courts were in need of repair.
Working with the Town of Three Lakes and Park Commission and utilizing funds raised from past tournaments, financial assistance from the town and Three Lakes Community Foundation, and donations from many players, they moved forward on resurfacing the entire court area.
The project was completed in 2021, resulting in six dedicated pickleball courts, two dedicated tennis courts, and once combination court.
All are invited to use the courts for play. Individuals who don't have their own equipment can visit Three Lakes Hardware to rent complementary paddles and balls. The Edward U. Demmer Memorial Library also has paddles and balls for check-out with a library card.
Lights are available for those who would like to play at night; players need to bring quarters along to power the lights.
Proceeds from the annual pickleball tournament will be used to make improvements to the pickleball courts and facility in Three Lakes. For more information on schedules and planned events, visit threelakespickleball.org.
