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Pickleball players enjoy the sun

Dressed in winter wear, Doug Prochniak serves for side, including Cindy Schultz and Judy Schotzko. Deb Gorres, John Ingebritson and Pat Eckstein prepare to return the serve.

NEW ULM — Winter is around the corner, but outdoor pickleball continues at Lincoln Park.

A group of dedicated pickleballers braved the cold to play the game Thursday. The first game of the afternoon featured Doug Prochniak, John Ingebritson, Deb Gorres, Pat Eckstein, Cindy Schultz and Judy Schotzko. The six players were soon joined by more.

Schultz said the game is not normally played three on three, but with the limited net, it is the best way to make sure everyone can play.

In a normal year, New Ulm pickleball players would have moved indoors. Ingebritson said they usually play pickleball at Lincoln Park in the summer and move to Vogel by winter, but COVID-19 served up a wrench in the plan forcing them to remain at Lincoln Park.

Fortunately, the weather has been mild this year. The courts remain snow-free. Last year outdoor would not have been possible in December.

The only downside is Park and Recreation had already moved the nets from the court, forcing the local players to create a makeshift net.

The temporary net is made from a badminton net held in place with wooded posts weighed down by dumbells.

A secondary makeshift net was put up later in the day as more players arrived.

New Ulm Park and Recreation have agreed to put some of the real pickleball nets to accommodate players.

The group of pickleball players began playing the game at Washington Park, but once the Lincoln Park tennis courts were converted to pickleball, it became the go-to location for the game.

Asked why they love the game, Ingebritson said “It keeps you moving and it is about coordination.”

Pickleball is popular for its accessibility for all age groups. Prochniak said the age of players ranges from 59 to 79. Though, some young people play as well.

Eckstein said the game keeps a person’s mind and body active. A person needs to move around the court, but the player also needs to keep track of the score and whose turn it is to serve.

The game will likely continue as long weather allows.

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