During the period April-June 2015, local citizens approached the Spalding County Board of Commissioners (BoC) with a proposal to build an 18 court Pickleball Complex in Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park in Spalding County, Georgia. On July 9, 2015, the Pickleball Complex proposal (along with approximately 32 other projects) was approved by the Board of Commissioners to be included in the SPLOST (Special Pu
rpose Local Option Sales Tax) referendum. The Association is grateful to the Spalding County BoC for having the courage and the vision to present this facility to the voters. On November 3, 2015, Spalding County voters approved the 2015 SPLOST 60.4% to 39.6%. Construction of the new facility was expected to start 2016 and to be completed in early 2017. Construction proposals/bids will be opened on July 29, 2016 and action by the County Board of Commissioners will follow. The Spalding County Pickleball Complex is one magnificent facility, resulting from the County’s impressive investment in building a premier facility, with the ambience and attributes of a beautiful park setting. The County has demonstrated its commitment as follows: 18 dedicated courts; great navigation, accessibility and mobility throughout the facility (walkways in and around courts, with a central hub); a twelve-court cover structure (protection against the weather); restrooms with changing areas; a concession stand; picnic and gathering areas (for resting, eating, and socializing); abundant seating for spectators and players; fences in and around all courts (less distraction and interruption during play); dedicated parking; state-of-the-art lighting; and additional shade structures alongside the outside/uncovered courts. All complex features are
subject to final determination under the bids/proposals, submitted via the Georgia State Contract, on July 29, and as accepted by Spalding County at Board of Commissioners meetings thereafter. On June 25, 2016, Bill Hess, Coordinator for the 2016 Georgia Games Pickleball Championship announced that the 2017 Games will be held at the Spalding County Pickleball Complex. On July 9, 2016, Karen Parrish, USAPA Atlantic South (A-S) Region Director, informed Peter Phelps, President of the Spalding County Pickleball Association, that the Spalding County Pickleball Complex (in Tyus Park) has been selected as the site for the 2017 Atlantic South Regional Pickleball Tournament. Tentatively, the tournament is scheduled for March 2017. The A-S Tournament is one of the major tournaments in the nation. This tournament can draw from 250-400 players, plus spectators. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) has eight Regional Tournaments across the county and a Nationals Tournament. In the past, the A-S Tournament has been held in Naples, FL, Concord, NC, and Mobile, AL. Securing this Regional Tournament is a major accomplishment for Spalding County and the Pickleball Association. Spalding County, GA, is a perfect crossroads/central location for the five state Atlantic-South Region, and states beyond. There are abundant hotels, restaurants and stores very close to the Tyus Park and the Pickleball Complex. We also have a high concentration of pickleball clubs and players in the north-central area of Georgia, so we are confident that the location will lend itself to high participation numbers. Tyus Park is the perfect setting. It is a beautiful park that has a lake with pavilions, walking trails, fishing, disc golf, soccer and baseball/softball fields. A vendor area is also planned. The park is very close to numerous hotel/motels, restaurants and stores. This is an exciting time for Spalding County, the SCPA, and the sport of pickleball! Thank you for your on-going support of pickleball in Spalding County! We need your support to have a successful pickleball program here.
