Construction begins at future site of 28-court pickleball complex

Demolition is now underway at the future site of the 28-court pickleball complex on 3rd Avenue, a project that city leaders and the Columbus, GA Pickleball Association have been working toward for more than three years.

The project obtained full funding from donations and grants, along with help from city officials.

A study from Columbus State University projects that the facility will generate more than $11 million in economic impact and will support more than 60 jobs during construction and bring in hundreds of visitors each year.

Organizers say they hope to create a social hub for Columbus and offer programming for people of all ages and skill levels.

“The social aspect of it for Uptown, is kind of book-ending between the baseball stadium and this is pretty much the farthest of high Uptown that you can get,” said Lance Tankersley, president of the Columbus, GA Pickleball Association. “So, with those two aspects and the whole everything Uptown has to offer it’s going to be a true social hub.”

Project organizers expect to start building the facility before the end of the year with a goal of opening in early 2026.