Cayce Introduces New Pickleball Courts While Community Voices Discontent Over Funding Priorities

Cayce Welcomes New Pickleball Courts Amid Mixed Reactions

CAYCE, S.C. — In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts in the area, the city of Cayce is gearing up to unveil a brand-new pickleball facility that promises to draw both locals and visitors alike. Pickleball, a fun mashup of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has taken the nation by storm, with a whopping 48.3 million people having tried their hand at it, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals.

What’s Coming to Henry C. Moore Park?

Set to open its doors by the end of the year, the new facility, located at the Henry C. Moore Park, will boast an impressive 16 pickleball courts. Brian Clary, a representative from the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission, shared his enthusiasm about the project, stating: “This new facility will allow us to host larger events that can put Cayce on the map for pickleball.”

In fact, planning is already underway for an exciting professional tournament, announced to be coming to Cayce in March. Clary confirmed that they have an agreement in place with the Professional Pickleball Association, which will host a challenger-level pro tournament. “It’s estimated that this event could attract about 1,000 people and have a significant economic impact of approximately $3.5 million for the area,” he said. It looks like Cayce is not just expanding its love for sports but also inviting a boost to the local economy!

Investing in the Future

The financial aspect of the project is quite robust, with the county investing around $1.3 million into this facility. While some people applaud this financial commitment, it’s important to note that a portion of these funds is sourced from a federal grant. It seems that while the pickleball craze is sweeping the nation, not everyone is on board with the plan.

Voices of Concern

One local resident, John Cherry, has voiced his concerns regarding the expenditure. Growing up in Lexington County, Cherry feels that investing such a large sum into pickleball could be misguided. “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,” he said during a city council meeting.

Cherry is more focused on the need for a local community center aimed at keeping youth engaged and off the streets. “We have a lot of unnecessary violence because kids have nothing to do in the Cayce/West Columbia area,” he explained. He believes a community center could help tackle some of the local issues and provide a safe haven for young people. “I’ve seen plenty of land that would be ideal for a Cayce/West Columbia center,” he asserted, adding that he plans to continue pursuing funding and support for this initiative.

A Community Divided?

As construction of the new pickleball facility moves forward, opinions in the community seem somewhat mixed. On one hand, there are sports lovers and local businesses looking forward to the influx of visitors and the burgeoning interest in pickleball. On the other, residents like Cherry express a desire to prioritize community-focused development that addresses youth engagement and safety.

In the pursuit of balance, it will be interesting to see how the excitement surrounding the new pickleball facility coexists with the calls for a community center. With both projects holding potential for positive change in Cayce, the local government’s challenge will be to find a way to cater to the diverse interests of its residents.