Listen Here
By Emmanuel Mogbolu, MogboluE@Findlay.edu
The University of Findlay is set to unveil a new pavilion by the pickleball courts this fall, offering a vibrant outdoor activity and an inviting space for students, residents, and visitors alike to connect. Located west of the Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion and next to the basketball courts across from CBSL, the four pickleball courts were introduced last year and have quickly become popular with both students and the community.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics, Brandi Laurita, plans to enhance the new pavilion area with benches, a fire pit, a sound system, and additional seating. The pavilion, built when weather permits, improves campus life by providing a shared space for students and visitors to gather
“The addition of the pavilion is going to make that part of campus much more beautiful,” Laurita said. “When students come on tours, it is going to be a positive addition to campus.”
The pavilion project, driven by the student government, will be completed later this year, with plans to have a grand opening by the fall.
“We hope to utilize that space not only for pickleball but for community events,” Laurita added. “If those things happen, I believe the project would be a big success.”
Bryan Golding, Senior Director of Campus and Laurita, helped organize the initiative for the pickleball courts after a generous community donor offered to help fund the project. Recognizing the value of the courts for both students and the local community, Golding and Laurita brought the proposal to university leadership, and the project soon moved forward as the University matched the grant amount. The donor initially sought quotes for four to six courts through Ben Taylor, Assistant Vice President of Facility Services. Construction on four courts started in September.
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Though it dates back to 1965 according to USA Pickleball, the sport gained widespread attention in the 2010s, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its growing popularity prompted the establishment of the U.S. Amateur Pickleball Association (U.S.A.P.A.) in 1984.
In addition to providing recreational outlets, the new courts inspired the formation of a student-run pickleball club which could potentially travel and play other universities. Intramural pickleball may also be on the horizon.
Golding sees the club as an opportunity for students to engage with one another outside the classroom, promoting both physical activity and mental well-being.
“Getting students involved with other students not only helps with their mental well-being but also benefits them in other ways,” Golding said.
Looking ahead, the University plans to expand the pickleball club by organizing intercollegiate competitions, but as of right now the students have no plans on doing so yet. This will hopefully help to attract prospective students and demonstrate that college is about more than just academics.
“There’s more to college than just studying,” Golding added.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics Brandi Laurita, who worked closely with Golding on the project, expressed her excitement about the courts’ success.
“I didn’t know students would use them as much as they did,” Laurita said.
She noted that the University explored several design options before finalizing the layout, working with multiple companies to ensure the best possible setup.
Golding and Laurita both emphasize the importance of student-driven initiatives in enhancing campus life.
“For this to be successful, it should be student driven. (We want to) encourage more students to come forward with ideas that align with the University’s mission.” Laurita said. “As long as it’s financially feasible, has an impact on students, and fits into what the campus really is, we’re happy to listen and implement new ideas.”
