The new Bierman Family Pickleball Courts were completed at Ott’s Park (501 N. Foster St.) in Merrill on Oct. 20, 2023. The courts are located between the existing tennis courts and the baseball/softball field. “The project was funded through a generous donation from the Bierman Family Foundation to the Merrill Parks & Recreation Department,” said Dan Wendorf, Merrill Parks & Recreation Director.
“Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton into one family-friendly game for people of all ages and abilities,” he said.
This new facility consists of six fenced-in courts with windscreen fabric on the north and south ends as well as the divider fence separating the north courts from the south courts. The courts will have LED lights in the very near future so people will be able to play longer during the season.
“We are very excited to unveil these new pickleball courts,” Wendorf said. “Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, and we have had many requests over the past several years to build courts. We cannot thank the Bierman Family Foundation enough for this wonderful community contribution.”
The Merrill Parks & Recreation Department intends to provide pickleball lessons and leagues next year and to host tournaments in the near future, as well.
“The popularity of pickleball brings visitors into our community that we would not normally see,” Wendorf said. “Investments like this not only help our local businesses and economy, but they allow us to show off our beautiful community.”
The Bierman Family Pickleball Courts will remain open until winter arrives and will re-open again next spring when conditions allow.