Pickleball,

refurbished it. R& R Flooring sponsored the bike rack, with their donation going into the seal coat fund. In addition, the club has acquired most of the permanent fencing that will go around the courts once the seal coat is completed. The fencing will help prevent balls bouncing into another court, and there will be gates to move between the courts. The plan is for the club members to install it themselves.

Also since the courts opened last summer, SPARC has increased the number of playing times from three to four times a week, offering scheduled play on Wednesday and Sunday nights at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The club has about 33 members, with a lot of couples but also some singles. They range in age from college age into their 80s. Newcomers are welcome to come learn how to play pickleball at any of the scheduled play times. Seasoned players are also welcome.

The courts are also open to the general public from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.

“We see the general public in and out all the time. Anytime guests come and visit our courts, the comments we hear are they really like our courts and nets,” said Prust.

Apotential Phase III for the project would be to install courtside lighting, allowing people to play later into the evening. That would be subject to future club discussion, though.

People should follow the “Spencer Wisconsin Pickleball” page for updates and and random scheduled play times.

For more information about the club or to donate, contact Prust at 715-721-0758. Donors will be recognized on a plaque at the courts.

Donations can be made out to the village of Spencer, with “Spencer ARC pickleball” in the memo line. Mail to: Village of Spencer, P.O. Box 360, Spencer, WI 54479.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO