Cayce Plans New Pickleball Facility Amid Community Debate on Recreational Investment

Cayce Welcomes Exciting New Pickleball Facility

In the lively city of Cayce, South Carolina, excitement is in the air as plans roll out for a brand new pickleball facility at Henry C. Moore Park! For those not in the know, pickleball is a fun sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played on a court about half the size of a tennis court. With over 48.3 million people having tried their hand at pickleball, it’s no wonder communities are jumping on board to include this popular pastime in their recreational offerings.

A State-of-the-Art Pickleball Experience

Brian Clary, representative from the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission, shared some exciting news about the upcoming facility: “So, we have a 16-court new pickleball facility opening up in Cayce, hopefully by the end of the year sometime,” Clary announced. This facility is expected not only to cater to local pickleball enthusiasts but also to attract higher-level events. Clary added that they have signed a letter of intent with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) to host a challenger-level pro tournament at the end of March. This event is anticipated to draw around 1,000 visitors to our area, collectively having an impressive economic impact of nearly $3.5 million.

Investment and Funding

The county has committed approximately $1.3 million to this exciting new project. Fortunately, a part of this funding comes from a federal grant, easing the financial burden on local taxpayers while enhancing recreational offerings. With the influx of visitors expected during the tournaments, local businesses, hotels, and restaurants could see a significant boost, which in turn could help create jobs and increase community revenue.

Community Voices: Mixed Reactions

$1.3 million on pickleball when the average person doesn’t know what a pickleball is!” Cherry vigorously expressed his thoughts at a city council meeting, emphasizing that funds might be better allocated towards creating a community center targeting youth engagement.

The Need for Youth Facilities

Cherry passionately advocates for a community center, believing that it could play a pivotal role in reducing youth violence in the Cayce and West Columbia area. “We have a lot of unnecessary violence because kids have nothing to do,” he expressed. “A community center could help curtail some of the violence and assist those who need guidance.” He is determined to pursue potential funding from Lexington County and the City of Cayce to better serve local youth.

Moving Forward Together

As plans for the new pickleball facility progress, it’s essential for both supporters and critics to engage in open conversations about the types of recreational and social spaces that would best benefit Cayce. While pickleball attracts many, there’s also a strong need for inclusive youth development through facilities that focus on various activities and constructive engagement opportunities. The vitality of a community lies in its ability to find common ground and work towards solutions that can create a brighter future for everyone.

Whether you’re a pickleball player gearing up for the new courts or a community member wishing for a youth center, Cayce’s future is looking brighter than ever, filled with opportunities to come together and strengthen the bonds of our community.