ROCHESTER, Minn. - Pickleball players in Rochester are facing challenges as the courts at Cook Park, a popular spot for the sport, have become a safety concern due to deterioration.

As the courts continued to deteriorate, The Rochester Area Pickleball Association realized the repair costs would be expensive and asked Rochester Parks and Recreation for help.

RAPA has been organizing fundraisers, raffles, and increasing membership dues by 50 percent. The group remains optimistic about managing the project costs, though they are waiting for bids from Parks and Recreation.

The association aims to replace the current courts with concrete ones, which are better suited for Minnesota winters. They also hope to improve the walkways between the courts.

The city is expected to cover about half of

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