North side’s first public handball court to be unveiled

A new single wall public handball court set to be unveiled Wednesday is the first on the city’s north side and could soon be followed by another similar new facility on the city’s south side.

A special unveiling ceremony for the handball court is scheduled to take place at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17 outside Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club, 4834 N. 35th St. Media coverage is invited..

Alderman Tony Zielinski worked with south side businessman and handball enthusiast Don Raffaelli (former owner of the White House Tavern) to help secure a site for the facility. After looking at various possible locations – including Milwaukee Public Schools playgrounds and vacant school buildings – Alderman Zielinski put Mr. Raffaeli in contact with Bishop Sedgwick Daniels of Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God In Christ.

“Bishop Daniels was very receptive to the handball court idea and recognized that handball is a sport in which size doesn’t matter, it provides a great workout and participants are able to build valuable friendships,” Alderman Zielinski said, noting the facility is being funded by Mr. Raffaelli and other partners.

According to Mr. Raffaelli, 35% of all new handball players are girls and women. “The current ladies world champion is from Ireland and is 5’2″ and 115 pounds,” Mr. Raffaelli said.

“For handball players it’s about skill and strategy, and keeping your opponent guessing. Even better – it is a lifelong sport that you can play into your senior years,” he said. “I especially want to thank Alderman Zielinski for partnering with me and assisting in finding the new north side site. I think it’s a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and to the city in general.”

“I firmly believe that kids will enjoy handball because let’s face it — not every kid plays basketball or football,” the alderman said. “Handball requires minimal equipment outlay yet provides the opportunity for hours of positive physical activity.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.