Yesterday I was driving towards our office and decided to take a left on Saramont to get a good look at what’s happening at May’s Park, particularly the tennis and pickleball court construction and configuration.
As you can see from the images above, the courts are brand spankin’ new and look ready for winners, spins, and lobs. The question is now, “Is Heathwood ready for pickleball?”
When Jen and I lived in Shandon, I spent a lot of time playing tennis at Heathwood Park and May’s Park, and when I couldn’t find an opponent, I spent a lot of time exercising by hitting balls against the cinder-block tennis walls. Over the years, however, the courts weathered and lost their mojo.
Not anymore!
Exactly one year to the day, this presser went out regarding a neighborhood survey and a meeting that was held at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church. As you can see from driving on Trenholm Road, most of the scope of the work in the press release is complete with a new large play-set, sidewalks, a basketball tree, and shiny new courts!
I got out of the car and walked around a little, and noticed that the gates were “locked” with zip-ties, so I took my pics from outside of the fence. When I got to my desk, I called the city and asked when the courts would be ready for play. The young man on the phone told me he’d have to get back with me. I’m sure it has to do with parking and finishing up safety measures. Nevertheless, I’m confident he’ll call me back with an approximate answer.
To my knowledge, these pickleball courts will be the first public courts to grace the grounds of Downtown Columbia, SC. I know of a lot of courts in Lexington, starting with Cayce (here and here), which domiciles 20 in two locations, and LCTC closer to Downtown Lexington.
The closest courts to Downtown are the two at Woodlands Park and Southeastern Park, respectively.
Well, there ya go! Congratulations to Downtown Columbia on a refreshed, updated park! I’ll call again and ask when the courts will be ready, and I’ll also inquire about their vision regarding the nets.
My guess this is going to be quite popular with area players, so much so that paddles will be lined up on the fence waiting for play.
We’ll see!!
Franklin Jones
Speak Your Mind