Strong community backing buoys new pickleball complex at Oldfield Beach
Two and a half years of fundraising, persistence and selling plenty of chicken dinners, raffle tickets and T-shirts paid off in a major way this week, as the Indian Lake Pickleball Committee officially opened its brand new six-court pickleball complex at Oldfield Beach.
The new courts were enthusiastically celebrated at a grand opening celebration Friday, June 20, with a large crowd of donors and pickleball players ready to play with paddles in hand. The committee’s fundraising goal of $333,000 was reached last fall through a collaborative effort between volunteers, the Indian Lake Development Corporation (ILDC), and Indian Lake State Park.
The excavation and construction of the courts began in the fall, resuming this spring with contractor and project manager J & J Schlaegel of Urbana, along with Schubert Tennis.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this dream come true,” said committee co-chair Laura Kunkle, who was joined by fellow co-chair and Indian Lake resident Robin Francisco. “It’s truly a community effort, and the courts are yours — they belong to our community.
“Today is about celebrating what we can accomplish together. Let the games begin.”
Kunkle noted that pickleball — a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong — is the fastest growing sport in the United States. The new scenic pickleball court location overlooking the waters of Indian Lake is an ideal way to spur tourism and economic development to the region, with pickleball players traveling there to enjoy the new courts and also to participate in tournaments down the line, potentially as soon as this fall.
“People who are really into pickleball will travel, as they want to play in unique destinations. Just look at this view of beautiful Indian Lake,” Kunkle said on the sunny and pleasant summer morning.
Francisco and Kunkle explained that the idea for the pickleball courts originated about 2 1/2 years ago, when the pair were on their way to Jackson Center to play pickleball.
“I looked at Laura and said, ‘Why don’t we build pickleball courts at Indian Lake?’” Francisco said, noting that they would drive to Jackson Center or Bellefontaine to play pickleball with friends. Since then, a two-court pickleball court also has been installed in Russells Point during 2023.
During January of 2023, the two committee co-chairs first approached the ILDC, with their vision and the many benefits of that pickleball courts could bring to the community and visitors to the area. The idea to have a six-court complex would make the courts an ideal place to host tournaments as well, the co-chairs noted.
With seed money from the ILDC, they began visiting other groups and corporations, and also received a significant boost through a United Way of Logan County grant.
Kunkle said the Logan County Commissioners then came on board, along with Stokes Township and Open Road Renewables. Then in February of 2024, the announcement of the receipt of a $150,000 grant from the Ohio legislature’s one-time use strategic investment fund was a pivotal moment to bring the project to reality.
Fellow Platinum and Gold sponsors for the courts include: Mary Rutan Health, LuLu’s at the Lake, McDonald’s of Indian Lake, Lori Hausfeld, A&H Hoses and North Main Motors. Additional Silver and Bronze sponsors are listed on the sign marking the entrance to the pickleball complex.
Numerous individuals stepped up as well to purchase the committee’s chicken dinners, T-shirts and raffle tickets and to participate in the fundraising.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who helped to pull this together and has made such a big impact on Indian Lake for years to come,” Francisco said.
In addition to the health-related benefits for being active and getting in a good workout, pickleball brings with it a strong social element as well and it can be enjoyed by those young and old alike.
“It’s fun for all ages and skill levels. I’ve played with a 7-year-old and a 92-year-old before,” said Kunkle. “It’s a social sport, too, which makes it extra important and really fun for our seniors and others, who enjoy playing with their friends and making new friends on the court. It gives them a new and enjoyable hobby.
“I’m more of an introvert myself, but I’ve found through pickleball, I’ve really branched out and enjoy the chance to socialize and meet new people. Plus, all of the benefits for your mind and body are really wonderful, too.”
