ORLEANS — The ongoing transformation of the Town of Orleans’ recreational hub took a major step forward this week as local leaders gathered to celebrate a new investment in community wellness.
grant proposal, Allen and Council President John H. Lindley.
Kristina Allen, Executive Director of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), presented a $5,000 check to the Town of Orleans on behalf of the foundation’s board. These funds were awarded through the Don Simmons and William Tegarden grant cycle, a program specifically dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for Orleans residents.
The grant will be used to finalize the aesthetics and comfort of the town’s brand-new pickleball courts, which were recently constructed at the corner of Second and Monroe Streets, adjacent to the town’s baseball fields.
Specifically, the funding will support:
- Professional Landscaping: Creating a green buffer and improving the visual appeal of the recreation area.
- New Bench Installations: Providing designated seating for players and spectators to relax between matches.
The grant cycle is named in honor of two prominent Orleans figures—the late Don Simmons and William “Bill” Tegarden—both of whom established unrestricted endowment funds to ensure their hometown would continue to flourish for generations.
The OCCF distributed over $25,000 total to Orleans-based projects this cycle, with the pickleball project being one of the largest single recipients. Other projects supported by the Simmons and Tegarden funds this year include the Orleans Food Pantry, the Public Library’s summer reading program, and local emergency services.
The new pickleball courts are a response to the soaring popularity of the sport in Southern Indiana. Orleans Town Clerk-Treasurer Robert Henderson and Town Superintendent Daniel Houchin have spearheaded the project, emphasizing that the courts are part of a broader “place-making” strategy to make historic Orleans a premier destination for families and active seniors.
The courts are currently open for play, with the landscaping and bench installations expected to be completed as weather permits in early spring 2026.
