(Oldenburg, IN) – Oldenburg Academy’s Innovation Council and the Freudenfest Committee have officially broken ground on the Maypole Heritage Park , a transformative project that will turn the town’s green space into a hub for recreation and community connection.
The project is the result of a broad collaboration among local organizations and residents and reflects Oldenburg’s 186-year legacy of civic pride.
Oldenburg Academy’s Innovation Council took the lead in a fundraising campaign aimed at revitalizing the town’s aging basketball courts.
With the generous support of local businesses and residents, the student-led effort raised more than $25,000 and earned a state matching grant for a total of $50,000.
These funds will allow the Council and the Town of Oldenburg to install three pickleball courts and one full-length basketball court in place of the existing underutilized courts.
“This project exemplifies what can be achieved when education goes beyond the classroom and into the community,” said Annette Hunger, President of Oldenburg Academy. “We are so proud of our students for their dedication and are equally proud that our school is part of Oldenburg’s vibrant spirit.”
The Freudenfest Committee and the Town of Oldenburg secured funding through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Next Level Trails Grant, which will be used to construct a 2,992-foot ADA-compliant asphalt walking trail that connects to the town’s existing sidewalks and trails.
The path will feature memorial benches, with plans to eventually add a community gathering shelter and landscaping. The scenic 2-mile loop will offer recreational opportunities for both pedestrians and cyclists.
“The Maypole Heritage Park project is a shining example of what can happen when our community comes together,” said Innovation Council moderator Jason Walke. “Through collaboration and vision, we are honoring Oldenburg’s history while creating a dynamic, welcoming space for health, connection, and celebration.”
A joint ground-breaking ceremony for both initiatives was held on National Pickleball Day.
Leising Excavation has been contracted to lead construction, and the project is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
(Oldenburg Academy press release)
