On July 19, Picklers Park came alive with more than just paddle hits and cheers—it became a space of purpose, unity, and play. In celebration of Mandela Day, we partnered with JOOLA, one of the world’s leading pickleball brands, for a powerful community event that blended giving back with getting in the game.

🛒 67 Minutes of Giving, 67 Minutes of Play

Mandela Day is a global call to action—67 minutes of service to honor the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to public service. At Picklers Park, we invited our community to do just that: donate a bag of groceries and receive 67 minutes of free pickleball play.

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The result? Smiles, sweat, and service.

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From early morning to late afternoon, families, first-timers, regulars, and youth groups filled the courts with energy and goodwill. The courts weren’t just courts—they were platforms for connection, action, and gratitude.

🔥 Demo Day with JOOLA

Adding to the excitement, we hosted an exclusive JOOLA Demo Day, giving players the chance to test-drive professional-grade paddles—including the latest releases that pros love. Coaches and staff were on hand to guide players through paddle selections, serve tips, and match-friendly challenges.

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Whether you were a beginner or seasoned slammer, JOOLA brought the gear, and Picklers Park brought the vibes.

💬 More Than Just a Game

This wasn’t your typical pickleball Saturday. We welcomed members from Liberty Compassion’s youth group, families with kids who enjoyed arts and crafts by the sidelines, and first-time players who discovered the joy of pickleball—all bound together by a cause greater than the game.

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Every donated grocery item contributed to local families in need. Every serve and smile became part of a movement that says: we care, we play, we give.

📸 Moments That Mattered

From laughter-filled rallies to moments of quiet reflection near the donation tables, Mandela Day x JOOLA was full of powerful snapshots:

• Young kids cheering on their parents.
• JOOLA paddles flying mid-air after a winning smash.
• Families sharing food, play, and fellowship on and off the court.

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It was a reminder that sport isn’t just about winning—it’s about lifting each other up.

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🙌 Thank You

To everyone who donated, played, volunteered, and shared the day with us—thank you. You didn’t just show up. You showed heart. And that’s what Mandela Day is all about.

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Stay tuned for more purpose-driven events at Picklers Park. We believe in play with a purpose, and we’re just getting started.

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