Emden community enjoys new Pickleball court at Klink Park

[July 17, 2023]   Pickleball, which is one of the fastest growing sports in America, seems to be catching on quickly in Emden. Drive past Emden’s Klink Park almost any time of the day and you are likely to see people on the new pickleball court.

The sport is a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong played by people of all ages on a court one third the size of a tennis court. The ball is plastic and similar to a wiffle ball, and the paddle is smaller than a tennis racket, so both are easier to handle. The game is somewhat slower paced than tennis and some say it is easier to learn, but still requires agility.

Emden resident and pickleball player Lori Lessen said pickleball is a fun sport for people of all ages and exercise levels. However, Lessen said if you are new to exercise you should probably check with your doctor before playing.

The pickleball court was ready for play in May of 2023. Since the court was set up, Lessen said over 45 different people have tried playing pickleball.

Funding was made possible for the addition of the pickleball court and net with money that the village received from the Logan County Board to be used for improvements at community parks around the county. The village will also be adding water in the near future.

The Village of Emden was given the land that is called Klink Park by Darrell Klink who was born and raised in Emden and was a lawyer in Lincoln for several years around 1988. Lessen said the Village then built the pavilion at the park and added picnic tables and a grill for people to use. They also installed enough concrete for a basketball court, which now also includes lines and a net for the pickleball courts.

With the addition of the pickleball court, the park has become a popular spot this summer. Lessen said the courts are used daily and since the pickleball court and net were added they are used multiple times a day for basketball and pickleball.

Different groups play daily or at least a couple times a week. Of the 45 people who have tried playing pickleball, Lessen said most are continuing to play regularly or at least occasionally.

There are no specific hours that the courts can be used though Lessen said the courts are available on a first come first serve basis. Some players are there at 7:00 a.m. and others play as late as 8:30 p.m. if it is light out.

Most of the time players play doubles; however, Lessen said there are several who like to play one on one to have a challenge.

The Emden community is really enjoying Klink Park with the newly added pickleball courts. Lessen said the court gives people a good opportunity to get a little exercise and socialize with others in the community. There is a Facebook page titled Emden Pickleball that anyone can ask to join. Pictures are posted on the page and people use it to let others know when they are getting together to play.

If you are looking for a way to have fun and get some exercise at the same time, head over to Emden’s Klink Park to see about joining in on a pickleball game.

[Angela Reiners]