Cayce Celebrates New Pickleball Facility Amid Mixed Reactions
In the sunny city of Cayce, South Carolina, excitement is bubbling like a freshly opened pickle jar! The sport of pickleball, which is a delightful mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has been sweeping across the nation. With its court size roughly half that of a tennis court, it’s no wonder that so many people are jumping into the fun. In fact, data from the Association of Pickleball Professionals suggests that a whopping 48.3 million people have tried their hand at this engaging sport!
As the popularity of pickleball continues to soar, communities all around the country are responding with brand new courts. Cayce is no exception, as it gears up for an exciting addition to Henry C. Moore Park — a sleek, 16-court pickleball facility expected to open its doors by the end of the year. Brian Clary from the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission shared this thrilling news, saying, “So, we have a 16-court new pickleball facility opening up in Cayce…”
Hosting Major Events
But that’s not all! This new facility is not just about playing for fun; it will also give the county an opportunity to host larger events. Clary mentioned a big event on the horizon, stating, “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.” With an expected turnout of around 1,000 people for the tournament, this event could have a lovely economic ripple effect, potentially bringing in nearly $3.5 million to the local area.
Of course, building such a facility does come with a price tag. Clary revealed that the county is investing around $1.3 million into this pickleball paradise, but a portion of that funding is thanks to a federal grant, easing the burden on local taxpayers.
Voices of Concern
However, not everyone is waving their pickleball paddles in glee. Some locals express the need for different investment priorities. John Cherry, a longtime resident of Lexington County, voiced his frustration over the project, labeling it a waste of funds. “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 remarked. He proudly admits he still doesn’t understand the sport, even after bringing it up at a city council meeting.
Cherry believes that the community could benefit more from a center aimed at nurturing the youth. He passionately argues, “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.” According to him, a well-thought-out community center could help redirect the energy of young individuals towards positive activities, potentially curbing violence in the area.
A Community Divided
Cherry’s vision includes utilizing available land for developing a center focused on fun engagement for the kids of Cayce and West Columbia. He’s determined and continues to pursue funding from both Lexington County and the City of Cayce. His commitment highlights the complex dynamics of community planning, showcasing a divide between promoting leisure activities like pickleball and addressing pressing social issues.
With the pickleball facility anticipated to draw crowds and bolster economic growth, Cayce finds itself at a crossroads. As excitement builds for one project, questions about community priorities arise. It’s a time for neighbors to come together, weigh the needs, and shape the future of their beloved city. The countdown is on, and pickleball is just one thrilling piece of the puzzle!
