By Chad Koenen

Publisher

A group of local residents is making a final push to begin installing new pickleball and basketball courts at the Henning Festival Grounds. 

The Henning Parks and Recreation Committee has received approval to begin installing the courts as funding becomes available. The current plan is to install the pickleball courts at the festival grounds first, followed by the basketball courts with additional touches to follow. Funding for the project is coming through a fundraising campaign being led by a group of volunteers known as the Courtside Crew.

As part of the plan, the Courtside Crew will construct two pickleball courts and a basketball court near the new skate park in Henning. The hope is to begin construction on the new pickleball courts as soon as funding allows. These courts will complement the newly renovated baseball and softball fields, as well as the skate park at the festival grounds. 

The group has raised approximately $12,000 so far and is hoping to raise another $10,000-12,000 to get the pickleball courts done. Once that work is completed the Courtside Crew will turn their attention to adding new basketball courts in town. 

Donations can be made in a number of ways, including by a check to the Henning Area Community Association by putting the word “Courts” in the memo. Checks can be dropped off at Thalmann’s Insurance or mailed to PO Box 435, Henning, MN 56551 and donations can be made through a 501(c)(3) option as well. 

Donations can also be made to the City of Henning by also writing the word “Courts” in the memo.