NET GAINS
Pickett Memorial Park has provided an outdoor escape for Purdue students to relax and enjoy fresh air since 1971.
Robert and Margaret Pickett established the space to memorialize their late son, Dean, and his love of the outdoors.
Dean’s brother, Martin (M’75), and his wife, Jan (LA’75), have adopted this family legacy, ensuring it remains the lush and peaceful place it was intended to be. They are currently working with the university on the Recreation & Wellness Outdoor Master Plan, which will provide more opportunities for students to venture outdoors, socialize, and prioritize movement.
The Outdoor Master Plan will help support the demands of a growing student population, ensuring both current and future Boilermakers have facilities and programs that promote social connection, belonging, and holistic well-being.
The plan includes new turf space for intramurals, club sports, and open recreation; lighting; running and biking paths; sand volleyball courts; an outdoor fitness area; bridges connecting the park and fields; and an amphitheater. One highly anticipated feature is the addition of 16 outdoor pickleball courts.
“My first experience with pickleball at Purdue was playing with administrators, faculty, staff, and students at the recreation center on campus,” says Mike Warren, senior director for RecWell. “I fell in love with the social aspect of the sport, and I was able to connect with others through an hour game over lunch.”
Warren met with the Purdue Pickleball Club and started forming relationships with the students, who shared their challenge of finding a place to play.
“With pickleball being the fastest-growing sport in the world, students are competing for indoor space and frustrated that there is nowhere to play outdoors on campus,” Warren says. “The introduction of new outdoor courts should enhance the overall experience for students and club members, encouraging greater engagement and participation in pickleball events and tournaments.”
Currently, more than 700 students have shown interest in the sport, including Sebastian Accetta, the club president.
“Pickleball has been an amazing way to connect with other students on campus,” Accetta says. “Whether you’re a super competitive player or it’s your first time picking up a paddle, you’re going to have a fun time. I have seen so many friendships and connections blossom on the court—the community aspect of pickleball is unlike any other sport. I have really found my belonging at Purdue on the pickleball courts.”
Accetta believes the Outdoor Master Plan will be a game changer for all campus visitors, not just club members.
“New courts on campus would give everyone who wants to play a chance to, and we would no longer have to turn people away due to a lack of space,” he says.
“My first experience with pickleball at Purdue was playing with administrators, faculty, staff, and students at the recreation center on campus,” says Mike Warren, senior director for RecWell. “I fell in love with the social aspect of the sport, and I was able to connect with others through an hour game over lunch.”
Warren met with the Purdue Pickleball Club and started forming relationships with the students, who shared their challenge of finding a place to play.
“With pickleball being the fastest-growing sport in the world, students are competing for indoor space and frustrated that there is nowhere to play outdoors on campus,” Warren says. “The introduction of new outdoor courts should enhance the overall experience for all students and club members, encouraging greater engagement and participation in pickleball events and tournaments.”
Currently, more than 700 students have shown interest in the sport, including Sebastian Accetta, the club president.
“Pickleball has been an amazing way to connect with other students on campus,” Accetta says. “Whether you’re a super competitive player or it’s your first time picking up a paddle, you’re going to have a fun time. I have seen so many friendships and connections blossom on the court—the community aspect of pickleball is unlike any other sport. I have really found my belonging at Purdue on the pickleball courts.”
Accetta believes the Outdoor Master Plan will be a game changer for all campus visitors, not just club members.
“New courts on campus would give everyone who wants to play a chance to, and we would no longer have to turn people away due to a lack of space,” he says.
Jeannie (Darr) Chaney (P’61) and Jim Chaney have made a substantial initial gift to the development of the pickleball courts.
“Pickleball is a competitive sport, but it is also a great source of socialization,” Jeannie says. “Faculty, staff, and students can really get to know one another better.”
The Chaneys hope Purdue will have enough courts to host a Big Ten pickleball challenge, where Boilermakers can compete against other Big Ten schools for a national title.
“I think it’s important that people view the Outdoor Master Plan as more than sport fields,” Warren says. “It’s about social connection, battling loneliness, inclusion, and finding your place and people on a growing campus. These spaces and amenities are essential for student, staff, and community well-being.”
Naming and recognition opportunities are available at varying levels for fields and courts. Alumni, friends, and fans can also contribute toward the construction of the new pavilion, which will be named in honor of Jay Gephart, the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands & Orchestras.
RALLY TOGETHER!
To learn more about how you can get involved in the pickleball project or the Outdoor Master Plan, contact Bob Shriner at rtshriner@purdueforlife.org.
Read more stories from this issue of Purdue Alumnus magazine.
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