Local pickleball players competed recently in the 2020 Winter Classic Pickleball Tournament in Naples, Fla. This is a USAPA sanctioned event in which 840 players competed in all age and skill level categories.

Lori Grinde from Rhinelander and Lisa Knoll from Wausau competed in the 4.0 women’s doubles in the age 50-54 category and won the gold medal. This qualifies them to compete in the National Tournament which will be held at Indian Wells, Calif. in November 2020.

Jeff Hoffman and Lori Grinde, both from Rhinelander, competed in the 4.0 mixed doubles in the age 55-59 category and won the bronze medal.

Marsha Moore from Rhinelander and Dick Rhodes competed in the mixed doubles age 70+ category and won the silver medal.

Pickleball is a popular and growing sport for all ages in Rhinelander and throughout the United States. It is similar to tennis but the court is smaller, the ball has holes like a wiffle ball, and the paddle is like a large ping pong paddle. Skill levels range from 1.0 to 5.5-plus.

The 120-member Pioneer Park Pickleball Group (PPPG) is planning construction of eight courts in Pioneer Park this spring. They have been raising money since last fall for their goal of $104,000, with only another $25,000 to $30,000 needed to begin the project.