Olney, IL — The tri-state’s first Pickleball Equipment Lending Program will launch in Olney, Illinois at The DREY Pickleball Complex in partnership with the Public Library, TrustBank, and the White Squirrel Pickleball Association. The free pickleball equipment kits include limited edition One More Game™ paddles, several balls, and a beginner’s instruction guide in convenient-to-carry totes. The custom equipment is made possible at no cost from a generous grant awarded by TrustBank.
Pickleball Kits are available for lending through Olney Public Library at 400 W Main St. during regular hours of operation. Borrowers need to be a current cardholder in good standing. Kits are loaned for one week periods and may be renewed. Your choice of a singles kit (2 paddles) or a doubles kit (4 paddles) will be available while supplies last. Additionally, a full court set of equipment is being made available through White Squirrel Pickleball Association, which is enough equipment to accommodate all 8 courts and 32 players simultaneously at the flagship Drey Pickleball Complex. Equipment reservations can be made anytime by emailing info@whitesquirrelpickleball.org. A donation to help maintain the equipment and courts is encouraged but not required.
The lending program was born out of conversations with community members who envisioned enhanced intergenerational interactions leading to positive community development. The growing sport of pickleball, hailed as a great equalizer, is working to foster synergy between cross-sections of the community who have not historically been linked. Whether your family or friends, sports teams, community organizations, church groups, or work colleagues want to find common ground to interact socially and physically in healthy ways, our Pickleball Equipment Lending Program at The DREY Pickleball Complex is here for you.
About TrustBank
With a legacy spanning over a century, TrustBank, founded in 1912, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence in serving businesses, farmers, professionals, and individuals seeking a higher standard of financial service. We have earned the trust of discerning clients who prioritize a banking partner that places their needs at the forefront. Our comprehensive range of personal, agricultural, and business banking services, along with expert trust and wealth management offerings, ensures that our clients have a dedicated financial partner for life. At TrustBank, we continue to uphold the values that have defined us for generations, solidifying our position as a trusted financial institution. Visit us at trustbank.net
About Olney Public Library
The Olney Public Library connects our community to information, world cultures and ideas, through the joy of reading, activities and programs. All of our staff is happy to serve our community and are passionate about helping our library grow. Visit us at olneypubliclibrary.org
About White Squirrel Pickleball Association
Formed in 2020, the White Squirrel Pickleball Association is a 501(c)(3) community organization with a mission to advance the game of pickleball in the Southeastern Illinois region. In 2023, through the collaborative efforts of strategic community partnerships and a dedicated three-year campaign, the organization proudly unveiled ‘The DREY’, a state-of-the-art pickleball complex. A “drey” (/drā/) is defined as the nest of a tree squirrel; paying homage to Olney being the “home of the albino white squirrels,” ‘The Drey’ uniquely symbolizes the exceptional home of our pickleball courts complex and players. Visit us at whitesquirrelpickleball.org
