Plover celebrates major Sentry donation for new pickleball courts

By Brandi Makuski

PLOVER — A $500,000 donation from Sentry Insurance will complete the construction of new pickleball courts and an adjacent parking lot at Lake Pacawa Park.

The project is part of the park’s third and final phase of renovations. The courts are expected to open in time for Celebrate Plover in July 2025, solidifying the park’s role as a regional recreational hub.

The donation, announced during a Feb. 6 presentation at SentryWorld, underscores the community’s enthusiasm for pickleball, one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.

“First and foremost, what we try to do is understand what the needs of the community are and try to get behind those as much as possible,” said Sentry Insurance CEO Pete McPartland. “Pickleball made sense for so many reasons. People of all ages play it. It’s also, I believe, the fastest-growing sport.”

The village of Plover and the Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association have collaborated to bring the $1.89 million project to life. A $379,185 change order approved by the village board on Feb. 5 will fund the completion of the east six courts and enhancements, such as lighting, shade structures, and windscreens.

The pickleball association has raised $700,000 for its share of the project, which also includes features for wheelchair pickleball.

“This facility is going to be tournament-quality and will attract players of all abilities,” said Jay Johnson, a board member of the Heart of Wisconsin Pickleball Association. “We’re planning to host major tournaments with over 200 players, and the courts will be ready in time for Celebrate Plover.”

The pickleball courts and parking lot mark the final phase of Lake Pacawa Park’s transformation.

• Phase 1, completed in 2018, included the construction of a new bandshell, a green space with bring-your-own seating, and a new cul-de-sac entrance at the park’s south end.
• Phase 2, which opened in 2022, added accessible kayak launches and fishing piers, walking paths, additional parking, a new shelter, beach and water improvements, an accessible playground, and a user-activated splash pad.

Construction on the courts began last fall, with paving completed to ensure a seamless playing surface. The location, on the south end of the park, was chosen to minimize noise impacts on residential areas. Ample parking and the proximity to other park amenities make it an ideal venue for tournaments and recreational play.

“This project aligns perfectly with our Lake Pacawa Park master plan,” said Village Administrator Steve Kunst. “It’s a great example of how community partnerships can make a vision a reality.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for late spring or early summer 2025, with the courts hosting their first major tournament during Celebrate Plover.