New Lakes Pickleball Courts Addition has Right Price Tag and Product Thanks to Wilson Martino Dental
By Jeff Toquinto on September 04, 2026
There is a new addition at Deegan and Hinkle Lake Parks. And the addition comes to the still relatively new pickleball court facility.
Recently, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation staff did the work to create a “Dink Depot.” The new item is the result of the kindness of Wilson Martino Dental and Dr. Robert “Bobby” Martino.
Essentially, the “Dink Depot” is free pickleball equipment lending library. It is the second one in Harrison County with the first located at Clarksburg’s Veteran’s Administration Park. It, too, was donated by Wilson Martino Dental.
Inside the Dink Depot, those needing pickleball paddles or pickleballs to play can find them inside. There are two requirements: Individuals are asked to return them when done and are asked to contribute paddles or balls to add to the collection.
“Pickleball has taken off in Bridgeport and it’s such fun and easy sport to start,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Activities Coordinator Amy Callahan. “Having this equipment available takes away a barrier for someone looking to start that doesn’t have the necessary equipment. We are confident this will see use and people will be respectful of it.”
Martino’s kindness is also driven by a love for the game. He said he plays about four times a week and has played at the new city facility. However, it was a trip past local pickleball courts that led to the first and second Dink Depots.
“I was walking our dogs by the courts and there were all these kids playing on the court, but only two of them were playing and hitting to each other,” said Martino. “I watched a bit and saw when the others wanted to play, they would switch because the entire group just had two paddles and one ball.”
Martino decided then that he could do something about it. The Dink Depots in Clarksburg and Bridgeport prove that to be the case.
“The idea, having something like a lending library, for paddles and balls, popped into my head. You had to buy anything, like a $300 racket or balls to see if you love the game,” said Martino. “You can try it out and see if you like it. And if you are playing a lose a ball or a racket you can get one there.”
One of the best things Martino said is that he recently went to the Dink Depot in Clarksburg. He said there were more paddles and more balls than were originally donated, which was approximately eight paddles and eight balls.
“It shows that other people bought into the idea and helped. There is room inside at the one in Clarksburg and Bridgeport for anyone that wants to donate. We hope to do them in other cities as they catch on,” said Martino.
Martino said the donation is something he enjoys. He also said it is his belief that it is also an obligation.
“To one who much is given, much is expected, right? It is our duty,” said Martino, who said he took those lessons from his parents.
Callahan was thankful for the contribution. She also praised the staff for getting everything prepared for the Dink Depot.
“It’s always a positive when a business is willing to continually give to the community and this is another example of that,” said Callahan. “This is also another example of our staff at Parks and Recreation getting the job done. They did the concrete work and set the structure, and the finished product looks great and helps provide a great service to the community.”
