Columbus Set to Host New Pickleball Courts: Columbus, Georgia, continues to grow and evolve, with its Uptown and Second Avenue area undergoing a remarkable transformation. One of the latest developments that has pickleball players excited is the upcoming construction of over 10 covered pickleball courts. The project, led by the Columbus Georgia Pickleball Association in partnership with the city, is part of a broader effort to breathe new life into the once-thriving mill district.
Pickleball, a sport that has increased in popularity in recent years, will soon have its first dedicated courts in Columbus, providing local residents with a fresh way to engage in this fast-growing sport. With shovels set to break ground next spring, the project is moving full steam ahead, and local players are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get on the courts by summer.
“Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport pretty much in America, possibly the world, for the past three years.” – (Lance Tankersley)
Phase 1 of the Project: A Boost for Pickleball Players
The first phase of the project will introduce 16 covered pickleball courts, offering a much-needed space for the Columbus pickleball community to grow. Lance Tankersley, of the Columbus Georgia Pickleball Association, emphasized the significance of the development.
“Phase 1 is our goal; hopefully, it’s going to be 16 covered courts. Now we still need help in fundraising, so if anybody out there, there are sponsorship opportunities and naming opportunities.” – (Lance Tankersley)
The courts will be city-owned but developed in collaboration with the association, allowing for greater flexibility in construction timelines. Unlike other projects that face delays due to municipal scheduling, the association’s involvement allows them to fast-track construction.
“The benefit of this site is this is still a partnership with the city. And because we own it, we’re not under the restrictions of having the city schedule build it. So, ultimately, we’re kind of fast-tracking this because we can own it. We’re starting construction hopefully in spring—shovels in the ground in spring and then playing in summer.” – (Lance Tankersley)
With this in mind, Columbus residents can expect construction to start in the spring, with a target to be playing by the summer of next year.
Community Engagement and Economic Growth
Local residents have high hopes for how these pickleball courts will impact the community. Kenneth Henson, a Columbus resident, believes the courts will help bring more attention and growth to the area.
“I think for years we’ve had a lot of traffic on 2nd Ave. Now we’re starting to see some economic development.” – (Kenneth Henson)
This development is just one piece of a larger puzzle as the city works to revive the mill district. Beyond pickleball, the project also includes plans for a Childhood Education Center and other community-oriented initiatives.
The city is conducting surveys to assess what else the district might need as part of the ongoing revitalization efforts. With residents excited to contribute to the construction through fundraising and sponsorship opportunities, the pickleball courts symbolize the city’s broader goals of fostering community and economic progress.
News in Brief: Columbus Set to Host New Pickleball Courts
Columbus, Georgia, is set to enhance its Uptown area with the construction of over 10 covered pickleball courts. Led by the Columbus Georgia Pickleball Association, in partnership with the city, the project will begin in spring 2024 and open by summer.
Phase 1 includes 16 courts, aiming to boost local pickleball participation and economic growth. Community fundraising is ongoing, with sponsorship opportunities available. This development is part of a larger effort to revitalize the city’s mill district.
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