New Pickleball Complex Unveiled: Jones County opened a new eight-court pickleball complex on Friday at the Jones County Recreation Complex. The event included the “Pickling with My Peeps” tournament, celebrating National Pickleball Month and marking a major step in supporting the sport’s rapid local growth.
Community Celebrates Grand Opening
The tournament brought out dozens of players and residents. The new courts are located in the center of the county’s main recreation area and join six older courts that were converted from tennis courts in 2022.
Local leaders were on site to help open the facility. Jones County Pickleball President Michelle Craddock, Parks Director Bert Rosenberger, and District Three Commissioner Wendy Vaughn all took part in the celebration.
“So four years ago, I introduced Michelle to the previous commissioner, Jonathan Pitts, who was instrumental in getting pickleball started here. We began with temporary nets on the old courts. It was originally described as a sport for older, more mature players. Now, we have 13-year-olds begging to get on the courts.” – (Vaughn)
Regional Players Join in
The popularity of pickleball in the region is rising fast. Rosenberger said a team tournament held recently may have been the largest in central Georgia.
“We’ve got players from nine different counties coming to play this weekend. Macon may have the largest indoor setup, but we’ve got the best outdoor environment. Come on over to Jones County and see us.” – (Vaughn)
Rosenberger explained that the sport is welcoming to everyone.
“There are so many different levels of players, and it’s easy to find someone who matches your skill. It’s a very accessible sport.” – (Rosenberger)
Free Clinics Planned
To keep growing the sport, the county will host two free pickleball sessions this month. The dates are April 12 and April 26, both starting at 10 a.m. No sign-up is needed, and equipment will be provided.
Pickleball’s Future in Jones County
County officials hope the new facility becomes a pickleball hub for the area. The surging popularity of the sport, especially among younger players, could lead to more tournaments and events in the future.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Complex Unveiled
Jones County launched a new eight-court pickleball complex with a tournament on Friday. Leaders celebrated the sport’s growth and invited the public to free sessions on April 12 and 26. The courts add to six older ones, making the site a regional pickleball center in central Georgia.
ALSO READ: Burlington Pickleball Complex Opening, Set to Boost Local Economy by 2025