The City of Norfolk will be expanding its recreation options, thanks to a generous private donation. During Monday’s Norfolk City Council meeting, a $300,000 donation was presented.

Mike Wingate, Tom Schueth, and Bryan Adams made the donation to support the construction of four pickleball courts complete with lighting and fencing.

“Pickleball is a great sociable and low impact sport that people of all ages and levels can enjoy playing together, said Mike Wingate.

The proposed location for the courts is Liberty Bell Park, pending a site space evaluation. Construction is expected to commence in the spring of 2024.

“We would like to thank Mike Wingate, Tom Schueth, and Bryan Adams for their generous donation to Parks and Recreation. Their contribution will help enhance our community, making the park a more enjoyable and vibrant space for everyone with the addition of the pickleball courts,” said PJ Evans, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. 

“Pickleball is an excellent recreational activity known for its versatility. It promotes cardiovascular fitness, improves hand-eye coordination, and offers a social, enjoyable experience for players of all ages. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, pickleball provides a fun way to stay active and connect with others. The new courts will be an amazing addition to the park and for future recreation programs,” Evans added.

“This incredibly generous donation is helping make Norfolk a better place, one park project at a time.  We are grateful for such a wonderful partnership and look forward to putting the gift to good use for the community, said Mayor Josh Moenning.