Baldwin County cut the ribbon July 21 to its 20 new outdoor lighted pickleball courts at the Baldwin County Recreational Center.
“I am excited for all the players who now have excellent facilities,” said County Manager Carlos Tobar. “I am grateful for the ideas and constructive feedback we received from the pickleball and softball communities. Our product turned out better because of them.”
According to Tobar, the court bases were in bad shape and needed “significant investment to rehabilitate.” Additionally, renovating the preexisting courts would not have allowed for there to be 20 courts without “significant demolition of fencing and other infrastructure.”
Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act passed to the State of Georgia as a block grant, the county secured $2 million for both pickleball courts and amenities and the ballfield lights.
“Governor Kemp's Office of Planning and Budget then developed the grant goals and requirements. We applied directly to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget and the funds were specifically dedicated for outdoor recreation,” said Tobar.
The county signed a contract with Dyer Construction Nov. 5, 2024, for the construction of the courts and signed a contract with Qualite Lighting Dec. 6, 2024, for the lighting. The pickleball courts and ball field lighting were completed July 21, the day of the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“These courts are used every day and will continue to serve our community for an extended period,” said Tobar.