Pickleball Included in Perry’s Upgrades: Perry is gearing up to enhance two of its beloved parks, with leaders scheduled to convene on Tuesday for a pre-council meeting aimed at jumpstarting their ambitious plans.
Barbara Calhoun Park saw action on Monday, as Eve Scott hit the tennis courts before rain swept through. “I just love playing the sport,” Scott expressed. Scott, a varsity player at First Presbyterian Day School, and her brother frequent Barbara Calhoun Park for rigorous practice sessions, gearing up for an upcoming tennis tournament in Orlando.
“I’d say three days to at least practice, since we live so close to here,” Scott explained. But Monday night’s session wasn’t solely about honing their skills. “We’re training for our tennis tournament next week in Orlando. It’s the ATA,” Scott mentioned, highlighting the competitive edge they strive for.
Adding Pickleball
Perry’s Department of Leisure is set to enhance recreational opportunities with plans to upgrade Creekwood Park, introducing six new pickleball courts alongside its existing basketball facilities. Currently, Barbara Calhoun Park stands as Perry’s sole venue offering courts for both tennis and pickleball, highlighting a community need for expanded pickleball infrastructure.
The addition of pickleball courts at Creekwood Park is expected to significantly benefit local families, such as the Scotts, who currently travel to nearby areas like Bonaire and Kathleen for pickleball activities. By bringing these facilities closer to home, the initiative aims to reduce travel time and enhance accessibility for residents interested in the increasingly popular sport.
This development reflects Perry’s commitment to enhance community engagement and providing diverse recreational options. The planned upgrades not only cater to current enthusiasts but also aim to attract new participants, promoting an active and inclusive community environment. As discussions progress, stakeholders anticipate positive impacts on local sports culture, encouraging broader participation and enjoyment among residents of all ages
Barbara Calhoun Park currently serves as the sole venue in Perry offering courts for both tennis and pickleball. The city’s broader vision includes revitalizing Rozar Park, starting with improvements to its soccer fields, aiming to attract a diverse range of sports enthusiasts. “It could get everyone together. The tennis community, also the pickleball community. It feels great when you have more courts and when your with people and the environment around,” Scott remarked.
Funding Discussion
The city will discuss their plans to phase in park upgrades during Tuesday evening’s pre-council meeting, commencing at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall on Main Street. According to council documents, the initial phase to construct the courts and upgrade the soccer fields is estimated to cost approximately $500,000.
A representative from the city mentioned that funding for the project could potentially come from the 2024 SPLOST funds. Additionally, the timeline for the project will be a key topic of discussion during Tuesday’s meeting.
