Major Construction Project Adds New Pickleball Complex in Fairhope 

FAIRHOPE, Ala.

The City of Fairhope is pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into a new construction project to expand the recreation options in the city by building a new pickleball complex adjacent to the tennis courts at Mike Ford Tennis Center.

The $800,000 expansion of the Mike Ford Tennis Center will include 12 new pickleball courts, and 3 new tennis courts, and lighting and when completed it will be another first-rate amenity for city residents and visitors.

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a court that’s about the size of a badminton court. The game can be played in singles or doubles, making it perfect for people of all ages and skill levels and the sport continues to grow in our area and nationwide.

Mayor Sherry Sullivan said there’s a good reason that this project has been a priority for the city.

“It’s something that you know, contributes to the quality of life that we have here on the eastern shore,” Fairhope mayor, Sherry Sullivan explained. “I think it’s also you know, in recent years there’s been a lot of articles about how it also contributes to economic development, workforce development. Those people that want to come work in your community. Maybe they work remotely and can work wherever they want to, but they’re looking for those communities that offer recreational opportunities.”

There will also be three new tennis courts added at Mike Ford Tennis Center. One will be built where the existing four pickleball courts are now. With this expansion, Mayor Sullivan said Fairhope has invested $10 million into recreation opportunities for its citizens over the last 10 years. This expansion should be finished and ready to play by the summer of 2025.

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