Albany makes plans for racket sports court

ALBANY, Ga. – The city of Albany could be making moves to bring a popular sport to the Good Life City, with Albany State University’s West Campus being a potential site.

Ward 1 City Commissioner Jon Howard, and Albany Parks and Recreation Director Steven Belk say that after plans over the last 20 years, the city may be about to move on a new racket sports facility, focusing on tennis and the wildly popular pickleball.

“This tennis court has been on the front burner for a number of years. At least 20 years. And, the pickleball is something that’s new…” said Jon Howard, Ward 1 Commissioner, city of Albany.

Howard and Belk say that having new courts, especially pickleball ones, given the rise of the sport the last few years, it’s long overdue in Albany.

And, with a meeting scheduled for planning in February, it may finally become a reality.

“I believe that all parties want to make it happen. We’ve just got to see how it works with all parties involved. Particularly, when it comes to Albany State University. Because their process is a little different than how our process works when it comes to approval…” said Steven Belk, Director, Albany Parks and Recreation.

As they potentially begin to execute plans, the city is trying to work with Albany State University to make this facility a reality.

“So, if we can get the blessing from the board of regions to hand it down to Madame President (Fedrick) then it should go on Albany State’s campus. Pickleball is sort of a little new. It’s grown tremendously in the deep south, and especially in north Georgia…” said Howard.

And, while other cities across the area, including the likes of Tifton and Valdosta already have facilities set up, the city of Albany is making sure that everything is in place to make sure the project goes smoothly.

“We’re doing the little things right first, because I think we need to do that first. Let’s see how we can do that right in order to look at the bigger picture. In cities like Macon, that’s the format they used, so we don’t want to reinvent the wheel…” said Belk.

While Howard and Belk say the project, once approved, could be finished by the end of the year, they’re confident that the Good Life City will not be lagging behind for much longer on the matter.

Commissioner Howard says the funding for the facility has been secured through SPLOST payments.

Brian Roche reporting.

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