Pickleball’s Growth and Cayce’s New Facility
The sport of pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has captured the imagination of millions. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, over 48.3 million people have tried their hand at the game. In response to this growing interest, Cayce is set to unveil a new pickleball facility by the end of the year at Henry C. Moore Park. Brian Clary from the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission highlighted the significance of this development, noting that the 16-court facility will enable the county to host major events.
“So, we have a 16-court new pickleball facility opening up in Cayce, hopefully by the end of the year sometime, and it’s at the Henry C. Moore Park.”
“We have signed a letter of intent with the PPA, which is the Professional Pickleball Association, to bring a challenger-level pro tournament to the area sometime at the end of March.” – Clary
Clary also revealed that the county has signed a letter of intent with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) to bring a challenger-level pro tournament to Cayce in March, which is expected to draw around 1,000 attendees and potentially generate an economic impact of $3.5 million. The estimated cost for this project stands at approximately $1.3 million, with a portion funded by a federal grant.
Opposition and Alternative Proposals
Despite the excitement surrounding the new pickleball facility, not all residents are on board with the plan. John Cherry, a longtime resident of Lexington County, has voiced strong opposition to the project. Cherry argues that the $1.3 million investment could be better spent on a community center aimed at addressing social issues in the Cayce/West Columbia area.
“It’s a waste of money for them to spend $1.3 million on pickleball, when the average person doesn’t know what a pickleball is. I spoke about it at a city council meeting, and I still don’t know what a pickleball is.” – Cherry
Cherry believes that a community center would provide much-needed recreational opportunities for youth, potentially reducing violence and improving the quality of life in the region. He has been advocating for such a center, noting that there is available land in the area that could be utilized for this purpose. Cherry is determined to seek funding from both Lexington County and the City of Cayce to support his vision for a community center.
“We need a community center for the kids, because we have a lot of unnecessary violence because kids have nothing to do in the Cayce/West Columbia area. And if we had a community center, I do believe that we could curtail some of the violence and help some people out.” – Cherry
A Community Divided
The debate over whether to build a new pickleball facility or a community center reflects broader discussions about community priorities and the allocation of public resources. As Cayce moves forward with its plans, the city will need to balance the enthusiasm for expanding pickleball facilities with the concerns and suggestions of residents like Cherry, who are calling for investment in community development and youth programs.
News in Brief: Cayce’s 1.3 Million Dollars Pickleball Project
Cayce’s decision on whether to invest in a new pickleball facility or a community center will shape the city’s future and influence its social landscape. While the new pickleball courts promise economic benefits and a boost to recreational activities, the call for a community center highlights a pressing need for youth-focused resources and social support.
The city’s challenge lies in finding a solution that addresses both the burgeoning interest in pickleball and the community’s broader needs. As discussions continue, it will be crucial for Cayce to weigh these competing interests carefully and strive for a decision that best serves the overall well-being of its residents.
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