OA student-led basketball, pickleball courts officially open

(OLDENBURG, Ind.) – The new basketball and pickleball courts at the Maypole Heritage Park in Oldenburg have officially opened to the public! 

The project was spearheaded by Oldenburg Academy students Emily Schebler, Maria Voegele, Kira Sims and teacher Jason Walke.  

The students raised more than $25,000 and received a matching $25K grant from the State of Indiana’s My Community My Vision initiative. 

This student-led project was started because the former basketball courts had deteriorated and were unsafe for public use. 

Walke said this initiative is an example of what students can do when they are given the opportunity to find a solution to a community need.

“Emily, Maria, and Kira put a tremendous amount of time and effort into this project, but they also understood from the beginning that a project like this could only become a reality through the support and generosity of the broader Oldenburg community,” Walke said. 

Watch their story from February of 2025:

https://youtu.be/4Tfu2M251ms

On Thursday, a ceremony was held to commemorate the opening of the basketball and pickleball courts. 

Students were joined by Oldenburg community leaders Brian Clagg, Gary Munchel, Jeff Paul, Paul Selkirk, Mike Wilhelm, Dave Wahman and Kate Hunter.  

The gathering also included a community prayer before students had the opportunity to break in the new pickleball courts.

The new courts are just one part of the revitalization of the park, as trails and benches have also been added in the recent past.

In the near future, there will be a performance pavilion, mural and a new festival at Maypole Heritage Park. Read that story by clicking here.

OA added that they are grateful to the Town of Oldenburg and the Freudenfest Committee for their partnership and support throughout the project.

“Their willingness to work alongside students and the Academy helped turn a student-led vision into a permanent improvement for Maypole Heritage Park,” Walke said. 

The school also expressed their appreciation to the local residents and businesses that made donations along with grants from the Franklin County Community Foundation and the Jack & Vicki Kellerman Community Enhancement Fund.

Here are some photos from the newly-opened basketball and pickleball courts:

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