Photo: Alliance Bank delivered a check to the Otterbein Courts during a busy day of play. Accepting the $1,400 donation were Tamara Cox with Benton Community Foundation and a lead volunteer on the project, Julie Kerkhoff. Alliance Bankers Brenda Charlesworth and Ashley Bice presented the gift.
When Alliance Bank arrived at Otterbein Park to deliver our “big check,” we were greeted by the sound of laughter and the sharp pop of pickleballs. At least eight women were in full swing on the newly renovated courts, enjoying their match. Many of them gather multiple times a week—proof that the Otterbein Courts renovation is already making a difference.
We’re proud to support this transformation with a $1,400 donation through our Casual for a Cause program. Each quarter, Alliance Bank employees donate for the opportunity to wear jeans on Fridays. The Bank matches their contributions to double the impact.
THE PROJECT
The renovations completed this summer revitalized a deteriorating park facility, converting one of the old tennis courts into four regulation pickleball courts. The surface was repaired and coated to support pickleball, tennis, and badminton—three sports with strong local interest. Organizers aren’t stopping there. Plans are underway to expand the court area and add spectator seating, making the space even more inviting.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Alliance Bank team for the generous donation to the Otterbein Sports Facility,” shared lead volunteer Julie Kerkhoff. “Their support is making a real impact, and I have no doubt it will be put to great use as we continue building a space the whole community can enjoy. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come in just one year, and we’re energized by what’s still to come.”
The Benton Community Foundation’s recent Quality-of-Life Survey revealed that recreation is a top priority for Benton County residents. With over 70 responses calling for better parks and walking paths, the Otterbein Courts project delivers exactly what the community asked for. The courts are open to the public in the Otterbein Park, located at 509 S Brown Street.
Alliance Bank is honored to play a role in this effort. A special thank you to the volunteers, donors, and staff at Town of Otterbein and Benton Community Foundation for the roles they played in this project. It is exciting to see many parks in our region embrace the pickleball boom and renovate or add courts.
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
Donations for continued improvements at the Otterbein Park Sports Facility can be made online to Benton Community Foundation or mail a check, payable to Benton Community Foundation – Memo: Otterbein Courts, to PO Box 351 – Fowler, IN 47944.
Here’s to moving more and bringing our community together. Don’t get pickled!
