Olney’s Pickleball Equipment Lending Program: Olney, Illinois, is set to start the Tri-State’s first Pickleball Equipment Lending Program at The DREY Pickleball Complex. This pioneering initiative, a collaborative effort involving the Olney Public Library, TrustBank, and the White Squirrel Pickleball Association, will provide free pickleball equipment kits. Each kit features limited edition One More Game paddles, several balls, and a beginner’s instruction guide, all offered at no cost thanks to a generous grant from TrustBank.
Equipment Availability and Lending Details
The pickleball kits will be available for lending through the Olney Public Library, located at 400 W Main St., during its regular hours. To borrow equipment, individuals must be current library cardholders in good standing. The kits are available for one-week periods and can be renewed. Borrowers can choose between singles kits (2 paddles) or doubles kits (4 paddles), while supplies last.
Additionally, a complete court set of equipment will be provided by the White Squirrel Pickleball Association, sufficient for all 8 courts and 32 players simultaneously at The DREY Pickleball Complex. Equipment reservations can be made by emailing info@whitesquirrelpickleball.org. While donations to support the maintenance of the equipment and courts are encouraged, they are not mandatory.
Community Impact and Goals
The Pickleball Equipment Lending Program was developed in response to community discussions aimed at enhancing intergenerational interactions and fostering positive community development. As pickleball gains popularity, it is seen as a means to bridge different segments of the community.
The program is designed to unite families, sports teams, community organizations, church groups, and colleagues, providing a platform for social and physical activity in a healthy and engaging way.
Organizational Backgrounds
- TrustBank: Founded in 1912, TrustBank has over a century of experience in delivering high-quality financial services. The bank serves a diverse range of clients, including businesses, farmers, and individuals, with a commitment to excellence. TrustBank continues to uphold its values and remains a trusted financial partner.
- Olney Public Library: The Olney Public Library connects the community with information, world cultures, and ideas through reading and various programs. The library’s staff is dedicated to serving the community and supporting its growth.
- White Squirrel Pickleball Association: Established in 2020, the White Squirrel Pickleball Association is a 501(c)(3) community organization focused on promoting pickleball in Southeastern Illinois. In 2023, the organization launched ‘The DREY,’ a state-of-the-art pickleball complex. The name ‘DREY,’ meaning a squirrel’s nest, reflects Olney’s unique albino white squirrels and symbolizes the pickleball community’s home.
News in Brief: Olney’s Pickleball Equipment Lending Program
Olney, Illinois, introduces the region’s first Pickleball Equipment Lending Program at The DREY Pickleball Complex. The program offers free kits with One More Game paddles, balls, and a beginner’s guide, funded by a grant from TrustBank. Equipment can be borrowed from the Olney Public Library and is also available through the White Squirrel Pickleball Association for full court use.
The initiative aims to enhance community interaction and promote pickleball as a unifying activity. Donations for equipment and court maintenance are appreciated but not required.
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