New recreational facilities are coming this summer to the lower shelter area of Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls. Plans include two pickleball courts, two sets of permanent cornhole boards, posts and equipment for pickleball, basketball, and tetherball, and an equipment rental station. These will be in the area that was home to the playing field used for baseball, softball, and kickball between the playground and campground bathrooms.
Approximate location of the planned recreation improvements in Ramsey Park's lower shelter area. Not drawn to scale.
The project is being funded fully by private contributions to Friends of the Park. A $50,000 grant was given by the Orrin S. Estebo Foundation, whose goal is to enhance the quality of life and create lasting benefits in the community. Friends of the Park, a subsidiary of RACF, also was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Taylor Family Farms Foundation (TFFF). Founded by Glen Taylor, owner of North Mankato-based Taylor Corporation, TFFF supports people and rural communities in southern Minnesota and northwest Iowa. Additional funding will come from sponsorships and proceeds from the annual Ramsey Park Jamboree, scheduled for June 10 from 4:30-6:30 PM.
The most significant portion of these enhancements is the pickleball courts. Brenda Joines, President of the Friends of the Park Board, said “due to the increased popularity and interest in pickleball locally, we felt it would be a great addition to Ramsey Park.” She also said it was a worthy project to headline the grants they received. The asphalt surface will hold two pickleball courts with black vinyl fencing surrounding the surface. A basketball hoop will be installed and share a playing surface with one of the pickleball courts, meaning they can’t be used simultaneously.
Now, you might call the game “bags” or “bean bags”, but the sport more officially known as cornhole will be represented in these improvements, too. Two sets of weather-resistant boards will be installed on asphalt pads to create two cornhole courts. Finally, a new tetherball set will be installed in the area.
A key aspect for the grant applications was improving the accessibility and affordability of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. While use of the courts is free, players who don’t own equipment will be able to use the self-serve equipment rental station. It will offer pickleball paddles and balls, cornhole bags, and other equipment to use in the park. Renters will use a web app on their phones to check out equipment and sign waivers.
Contracts have been signed and the work is ready to begin, according to Ross Nachreiner, City of Redwood Falls Parks and Recreation Director. He said weather conditions need to improve and road restrictions have to be lifted before construction can start. Once the asphalt is laid, it has to cure for 30 days before the courts can be painted. Nachreiner hopes the project will be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.
Nachreiner expressed his appreciation for the community support. “The Friends of the Park continue to do great things for Ramsey Park.” He added, “These additions will be just another reason for people to want to camp in or visit Ramsey Park.” Joines expressed optimism for the project’s impact on Ramsey Park: “I see the addition of the new recreation area to be a benefit for people of all ages. People who live and work in this community as well as visitors. It will be another reason for individuals to get out, be active and enjoy Ramsey Park.”
McKenzie Taylor, Executive Director of RACF, which administers the Orrin S. Estebo Foundation, said, “Orrin deeply cared about Redwood Falls, so the board felt this project was a meaningful way to honor his passions. By investing in expanded recreational opportunities, the Foundation is helping create a space that brings people together, encourages active lifestyles, and continues Orrin’s legacy of supporting the community he loved.” Estebo had a law firm in Redwood Falls and co-owned Warrior Manufacturing for twenty years. He passed away in 2020. RACF will be announcing additional Estebo Foundation grant recipients in the coming weeks. They are inviting community members and organizations to apply for the foundation’s next round of grants before the June 1 deadline. More information can be found on the foundation’s webpage.