SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 30, 2023 —Drury University will have an exciting addition to campus this fall, an outdoor recreation complex called the Panther Pad. The Panther Pad will feature new pickleball courts, the revitalization of the basketball and tennis courts and a new pavilion grill and beverage area for students and spectators to enjoy. The project was made possible by the generosity of several members of the O’Reilly family, including:
“Pickleball is a sport for everyone. Playing it once will offer a glimpse into a new array of lifestyle benefits that you might otherwise have thought were lost or unapproachable,” said Austin O’Reilly. “The words that come to mind when I think of the sport: fun, exercise, sweaty, friends, community, addicting, therapeutic, challenging, playful, yet competitive. If you ask someone else, their words might be different, but the sport is actively changing the lives of millions of people around the world for the better, as we speak. No matter how unfit, old, unhappy or unhealthy you think you are, pickleball won’t disappoint! We couldn’t be more excited to support Drury University with the building of a new state-of-the-art outdoor recreation complex, the Panther Pad.”
The Panther Pad will be constructed by master court builders McConnell & Associates, led by Director of Business Development Andy Gensch, and will not only include one of the first official pickleball courts on a college campus, but will be the nation’s premier pickleball venue for intercollegiate competition.
“It has been a pleasure to work integrally with Austin and utilize his experience as both a professional pickleball player and experienced court designer,” said Marie Muhvic, executive vice president for University Advancement. “We are grateful that the family has generously stepped up to support a main Fortify the Future Campaign priority, Heritage facilities. This will breathe new life into a student-centered focal area for activity, eating, gathering and socialization. We are so thankful to the entire family.”
The project, located north of Olin Library and adjacent to the recently turfed Sunderland Field, will be in the heart of the historic Drury campus.
“Sports have the power to bring people together, and the Panther Pad will undoubtedly become a hub of engagement, fun and shared memories for our students,” said Drury President John Beuerlein. “We are truly grateful for the O’Reilly family’s generous support in making this project a reality, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our students’ lives.”
Construction on the Panther Pad is set to begin in early September and plans are underway for a spring dedication ceremony and opening match.
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Renderings by Oke-Thomas:
Outdoor Recreational Courts Renovation – Presentation Board #1.pdf” at: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d0e8d0c0-7710-465f-b797-cc9d2f15b7aa
Outdoor Recreational Courts Renovation – Presentation Board #2.pdf” at: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:888a206c-76bd-4e4d-adb3-544b38cfcf99
Outdoor Recreational Courts Renovation – Presentation Board #3.pdf” at: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:13abceb3-2fdd-4655-8700-3c43f4db961b
Outdoor Recreational Courts Renovation – Presentation Board #4.pdf” at: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e5c8e5d5-2d1a-4be3-bae8-aa6634086a87
Outdoor Recreational Courts Renovation – Presentation Board #5.pdf” at: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:bd927cc6-33da-4f23-b5cc-9a4aa95a7ae6
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations, Office: (417) 873-7390 Email: JCooper020@drury.edu
