Pickleball Court Expansion at Lake Junaluska: The pickleball community in Western North Carolina is set to benefit from a major upgrade as work begins on six dedicated pickleball courts at Lake Junaluska. This expansion aims to provide a central location for players and open new opportunities for tournaments, potentially boosting the county’s tourism industry.
Lake Junaluska
Currently, Lake Junaluska’s courts are shared between pickleball and tennis, requiring dual-purpose lines and a movable net. The new renovation will transform these into six pickleball-only courts, enhancing the playing experience and accommodating the sport’s growing popularity. In addition to these, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will feature four existing multi-use courts, bringing the total number of pickleball courts to ten.
Construction Details
The transformation will involve several key steps. The existing courts will receive an additional 4 inches of pug mix, or road bond, followed by two layers of asphalt, according to John Fann, foreman with Knoxville-based Baseline Sports Construction. The initial stages of the project have included removing old fencing and preparing the site for new fence and net posts.
Construction is slated to run from September 2 to November 22, weather permitting. Ken Howle, executive director at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, notes that the completion timeline is contingent on maintaining temperatures above 50 degrees to ensure proper finishing of surfaces.
“Temperatures need to be above 50 degrees so surfaces can be finished. We’re on a schedule to enable that to happen, but we’re competing with the weather.” – (Ken Howle)
A Shift in Plans
Originally, Haywood County had intended to build a pickleball complex at Allens Creek Park. However, escalating costs and logistical issues related to septic lines led to the abandonment of this plan. Instead, a partnership was formed with Lake Junaluska Assembly, which allowed for a more cost-effective upgrade of existing multi-use courts to dedicated pickleball facilities.
The project is partially funded by the COVID-era American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with Haywood County contributing $290,000. Of this, $180,000 is allocated to the pickleball courts, with the remaining $100,000 designated for restroom renovations. These restroom upgrades are expected to commence after the pickleball courts are completed, with work anticipated between January and March.
Economic Impact
David Francis, president of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the broader economic implications of the expansion.
“This isn’t just about outdoor recreation. It’s about economic development. This is a prime example of how a public/private partnership can benefit the community.” – (Francis)
With ten pickleball courts, Lake Junaluska will be well-positioned to host tournaments, which could significantly boost local economic activity. Each tournament is estimated to generate around $82,000 in community benefits. The expanded facilities will enable year-round play, attracting players who can take advantage of mid-week tournaments, which typically see less visitor traffic compared to weekends.
Looking Ahead
Once completed, Lake Junaluska Assembly will handle the maintenance and management of the pickleball courts, including organizing tournaments. The expansion addresses the growing demand for pickleball and provides a potential economic boost for the region, highlighting the benefits of strategic community partnerships.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Expansion at Lake Junaluska
The expansion of pickleball courts at Lake Junaluska marks a significant step forward for the sport and the local community. By converting existing multi-use courts into six dedicated pickleball facilities, Lake Junaluska not only meets the increasing demand from enthusiasts but also positions itself as a key player in regional sports tourism.
The project’s alignment with economic development goals and the potential for mid-week tournaments offer promising prospects for local businesses and the county’s tourism industry. As construction progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the benefits of these new courts, which are set to enhance recreational opportunities and drive economic growth in Western North Carolina.
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