Sumter County Unveils Six New Pickleball Courts: Six new pickleball courts are now open to the public in Americus, Georgia, thanks to a $1.4 million grant given to the Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department. The courts are located at The Columns at Boone Park, 408 Rucker Street. Phase 2 of a four-part improvement plan wrapped up in April 2025, adding these courts and other features to local parks. The courts are free to use daily from daylight to 11:00 p.m., and visitors must bring their paddles and balls.
Ongoing Park Improvements
The $1.4 million grant has helped the Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department, led by Director Tim Estes, improve parks across the county. Phase 1 included building Rock Hill Park, located at 135 East Rock Hill Drive, Americus.
“Best park in Sumter County,” said Tim Estes. The park features a paved walking trail, basketball courts, a new playground, and a shaded picnic area with six tables and a grill.
In Phase 2, the Splash Pad was upgraded with a non-slip surface. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and costs $3.00 per person. The Splash Pad shares space with a large picnic pavilion that also has six tables.
More Recreation Options
At 709 Barlow Street in Americus, the Barlow Street Park and Pool is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entry is only $1.00. Swim lessons are available for young children aged 3 to 5 years old. There are still two openings left for the Waddlers pre-K class, which costs $75.00 per child.
Parents who missed signing up their kids for summer camp can still register. Five spaces are left in the day camp for kids aged 5 to 12. The camp runs Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes breakfast and lunch. It costs $150.00 per child.
Boone Park’s indoor basketball courts are open every day from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Players need a seasonal or yearly membership and must pay $1.00 per day. Summer memberships for June and July are $20.00.
What’s Next
Phase 3 of the improvement plan is coming soon and will involve a full renovation of Boone Park. The budget for this phase is $550,000. Football, soccer, and fall gymnastics registration will start on July 14. Parents are encouraged to register early, as spots fill up fast.
Pickleball is a sport similar to tennis and is played with two or four players using paddles and a wiffle ball. The game is played on a smaller court, and the first player or team to reach 11 points wins—but the winner must lead by two points.
News in Brief: Sumter County Unveils Six New Pickleball Courts
Sumter County added six free pickleball courts in April 2025 as part of a $1.4 million park upgrade. Courts are open daily at Boone Park in Americus. Other improvements include a safer Splash Pad, summer camp, swim lessons, and more. A $550,000 renovation of Boone Park is next.
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