05/28/2026
Remembering Mick Hammer ‘It’s Hammer Time’ Fundraiser
PICKLEBALL PROJECT COMING IN 2026
The tennis courts located in the Holstein City Park have been a long-time fixture for fun, exercise, and activity for folks of all ages. They continue to be utilized for tennis, shooting hoops, and in most recent years-Pickleball. Pickleball has surged as a preferred and doable form of exercise and fun for the older generation. The younger generation is also embracing this fun sport.
Mick Hammer was an enthusiastic leader and trailblazer for the fun sport of Pickleball.
He not only played the sport in Holstein, he also traveled to play with others in Cherokee and Ida Grove. Mick was known for his jolly demeanor. He enjoyed greeting others with a fist bump and had catchy phrases to use on the court. He brought energy, fellowship, and naturally adjusted his game to the level of competitiveness his fellow players were comfortable with. Most of all, Mick made sure his playing partners were having fun with exercise.
Mick lived a life of staying active and exercising regularly into his later years. Besides pickleball, many saw Mick rollerblading for miles around Holstein, recumbent biking, and playing racket ball. He was a volunteer and giver of his time where needed and the Holstein community was saddened to lose Mick in 2025.
As with everything, the years have shown up in wear and tear, large cracks, and discoloration of the City Park tennis court surface. Plans are underway to give new life to the courts! $75,000 is the estimated cost for a new court surface, nets, dividing fences, wind screen, and pickleball holders. The space will accommodate two pickleball courts and one full length tennis court. Pickleball lines will be placed on the tennis court if a third pickleball court is needed.
The Pickleball Association of Holstein is spearheading this fundraising project in honor and memory of Mick Hammer. They have been working hard to obtain grants and donations and need your help. As Mick would often say, “It’s Hammer Time,” so let’s roll up our sleeves, put on our knee pads, and bring this project to life!
Financial gifts of all sizes are welcome, and a donor board will be placed at the park acknowledging any gift of $100 or more. June 15 is the goal date to have all funds raised so work can start following the close of 2026 Kinderfest activities.
Checks can be made out to the City of Holstein and earmarked as a donation to the 2026 Pickleball Project. Feel free to stop at City Hall located at 119 S. Main Street in Holstein during normal business hours or mail to City of Holstein, PO Box 500, Holstein, Iowa 51025.
Caption: Pickleball project: Plans are underway to give new life to the courts in Holstein. $75,000 is the estimated cost for a new court surface, nets, dividing fences, wind screen, and pickleball holders. Photo by Brent Harm
