As news spreads about the possible revitalization of New Hanover's Deku hockey rink, more players are being attacked for the space. (Photo courtesy of Pickup Sticks Hockey)
NEW HANOVER — Pickleball may be taking over the world these days, but two hockey-loving young women stopped it from taking over their little corner of New Hanover Community Park.
The worn-out ball hockey rink in the park off Gale Drive may not be in its prime, but if you ask Natalie Van Druff and Lily Walter, both 11, it's once again in its prime. There is a possibility that it will happen.
The pair continued their campaign last week to upgrade and improve the rink. But first we had to save it from the bulldozer.
In November, they rallied fellow players, parents, and coaches from Boyertown Ice Hockey, Pottstown Jesters Travel Ball Hockey, and Pottstown Pal Dec Hockey to tear down the rink and throw another pickle. Blocked the town's plan to replace it with a ball court.
And at its most recent meeting on March 7, it received support from the Board of Supervisors to begin fundraising to renovate the rink and bring it up to size. The Philadelphia Flyers may eventually get involved in this effort.
The two girls spent days and countless hours working together to prepare for the conference, create a five-minute video showcasing people using the link, and a PowerPoint presentation that would bring back their MBAs. .
Even though the video had no audio, Natalie and Lily kept it moving at a good pace, from graphs showing how many local families would benefit to highlighting repairs needed to surfaces, boards and nets. The presentation progressed and the people were fully captivated. Not just the supervisor, but the crowd in the conference room as well.
According to the presentation, nearly 500 athletes in the area could benefit from the improved rink compared to standard facilities in Reading, New Jersey and beyond.
Additionally, as the duo's efforts were reported, they were contacted by the Philadelphia Flyers and asked how they could work together.
But it's not cheap. Early estimates indicate that Link needs $200,000 worth of work done.
Don't worry, Lily and Natalie have it too.
They are already selling t-shirts (two designs available) to raise money and have left no stone unturned and presented a list of funding options that can be leveraged to raise the needed funds. These include grants from the Regional Recreation Commission, local and national business partnerships, including one company, Peppe's Pizza and Grill, which is inquiring about sponsorship.
When the manager agreed to repair cracks in the asphalt, replace the dashboard so the ball wouldn't run away, and fix the gate so the ball wouldn't hit the ball, they and their legion of supporters knew the effort would pay off. I was disappointed. Link. The board also authorized them to begin building partnerships with sponsors to find creative financial solutions to make their efforts fruitful.
Or, as Lily and Natalie say, “Give me some love.”
