Drury University is in a pickle, and its leaders are OK with it.
The university on Aug. 30 announced the creation of Panther Pad, an outdoor entertainment complex that will offer six pickleball courts, a tennis court that can convert into two more pickleball courts, a basketball court and a covered pavilion for gathering and grilling.
The project calls for revitalizing an existing set of tennis and basketball courts on Drury Lane north of Olin Library. When completed, the site will be suitable for intercollegiate pickleball competition, according to a press release from the university.
Members of the O'Reilly family provided funding for the Panther Pad, including Austin O’Reilly, Matt and Ashley O’Reilly, W. Justin French and Lindsay O’Reilly French, David and Stacey O’Reilly, and Pamela O’Reilly.
Pickleball has been growing in popularity over the last few years. Created in the mid 1960s, the game saw a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Austin O'Reilly has become a professional pickleball player, and is involved with the design of the court, according to the release. The game's ability to draw communities together, and high degree of accessibility, drew O'Reilly to the game, he said.
“The sport is actively changing the lives of millions of people around the world for the better,” O'Reilly said in a press release. “No matter how unfit, old, unhappy or unhealthy you think you are, pickleball won't disappoint.”
Marie Muhvic, executive vice president for university advancement, said the new complex fits within the university's Fortify the Future Campaign priority for developing heritage facilities. Construction is scheduled to begin in early September. The Panther Pad will be built by McConnell and Associates.
