Student-Led Effort Brings New Basketball and Pickleball Courts to Maypole Heritage Park
A project that began with a vision from Oldenburg Academy students is now providing a new recreational opportunity for residents of Oldenburg and the surrounding community.
Oldenburg Academy students Emily Schebler ‘25, Maria Voegele ’25, and current senior Kira Sims, under the supervision of Jason Walke, led a grassroots fundraising effort to revitalize the recreational area at Maypole Heritage Park. The students raised more than $25,000, which resulted in an additional $25,000 in state matching funds being awarded toward the project through a program called My Community My Vision.
The former basketball courts at the park had deteriorated significantly over the years and had become unsafe for public use. Through the students’ initiative, fundraising efforts, and partnerships with the Town of Oldenburg and the Freudenfest Committee, the area has been transformed into a new recreational space featuring one basketball court and three pickleball courts.
“This project is a great example of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to identify a need in their community and take ownership of finding a solution,” said Jason Walke, who supervised the student project. “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.”
The new courts opened for public use at noon on August 27. Oldenburg Academy students were invited to be among the first members of the community to use the new facilities.
Town Council President Brian Clagg was on hand for the opening and shared words of appreciation with the students and community members involved in the project. Project coordinators and Freudenfest committee members Gary Munchel and Jeff Paul, along with committee members Paul Selkirk and Mike Wilhelm as well as Councilman Dave Wahman and Clerk/Treasurer Kate Hunter, attended the opening to thank the students and community members who contributed to the project's success. The gathering also included a community prayer before Oldenburg Academy students had the opportunity to break in the new pickleball courts.
While the courts represent a significant milestone in the project, additional work connected to the Oldenburg Academy-led portion of the project remains underway. Among the final touches are memorial benches to be ordered and installed as part of the completed recreational area.
Oldenburg Academy is 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. They are also thankful to all the local residents and businesses that made donations along with receiving grant money from the Franklin County Community Foundation and the Jack & Vicki Kellerman Community Enhancement Fund.
The August 27 opening represents an important milestone, but a more formal grand opening celebrating the various improvements taking place throughout Maypole Heritage Park is planned for spring 2027. That event will provide an opportunity for the broader community to celebrate the completed projects and recognize the many individuals, organizations, and community partners who have contributed to the park's revitalization.
The new basketball and pickleball courts will now serve as a place for recreation, connection, and community gathering; an enduring result of students recognizing an opportunity to make a difference in the community around them.
