In just a few short weeks, the Mequon-Thiensville community will have the opportunity to compete in a pickleball tournament hosted by the Thiensville-Mequon Pickleball Association, or TMPA, at Athletic Performance Sports Complex in Cedarburg on Saturday, May 17.
The tournament is a collaborative effort by TMPA and the Mequon-Thiensville School District to raise money for eight new pickleball courts at Range Line Community Center. Part of the association’s mission is to increase participation across generations; to further this mission, high school students are invited to enter the High School Scramble at a 50% discount.
As a low-impact, easy-to-learn sport, pickleball has grown rapidly across the United States in recent years. Low equipment costs also make the sport accessible, and TMPA is working with MTSD to make it even more so in Mequon-Thiensville by fundraising for the construction of new pickleball courts. $333,000 of the $375,000 goal for the courts has already been raised, and the upcoming tournament is an opportunity to close the gap.
TMPA Vice President Bob Kebbekus stated that these courts will support a growing community of pickleball players. “Currently there are no dedicated pickleball courts in Mequon, and the demand for courts is high,” said Kebbekus. Kebbekus added that TMPA hopes to continue to grow the sport and “decided it’s important to get the next generation involved in pickleball.”
According to TMPA, pickleball “promotes physical fitness” and “enriches social connections.” Due to the sport’s accessibility, ease of play, and low learning curve, the new courts in Mequon are an opportunity for “strengthening intergenerational bonds and community ties.”
High school students can sign up to play in a scramble for $25. They will enter as individuals and play with a different partner each round of the tournament, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community members are also invited to enter the mens or womens play in the scramble or the round robin tournament. Additionally, there will be beginner and advanced clinics available for $10 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. All of the tournament proceeds will go towards funding the new courts for community use.
