Plans to bolster Ridgeway’s recreational options place the growing sport of pickleball at the center of a new multiuse recreation complex.
The complex will feature three pickleball courts, among other amenities, said Ridgeway Mayor Craig O’Der.
“It’s going to be a special venue,” O’Der said about the $225,000 project. “We have a tremendous ability to provide recreational opportunities right here in the town of Ridgeway.”
The new project will be among the few sports complexes in the southern part of Henry County.
Pickleball is a decades-old sport that has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years.
At first glance, the sport is similar to tennis, but the rules differ. Games are usually capped at 11 points, and scoring is based on a number of factors, from possession to how the ball is hit.
Communities across the country have modified existing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball.
“Pickleball is such a hot sport right now,” O’Der said.
Ridgeway’s planned multiuse complex will be located behind the town’s post office on Almond Street. Ridgeway paid $30,000 for the property.
“It’s across the street from our existing park, so it’s kind of a part-two to the park area there,” O’Der said.
Plans for the complex include courts for basketball, street soccer and hockey, O’Der said, but he’s banking on pickleball being the big draw.
“I think it’s great exercise that a lot of people enjoy,” O’Der said. “It’s easy to learn and it’s really transcendent, all ages from youngsters to the retired. Some of the best pickleball players I’ve seen, one of my best friends, his parents were tennis players and now they’re pickleballers. I’d put them up against anybody who plays pickleball, they are so good at it.”
O’Der said he hopes to take advantage of the sport’s popularity by hosting pickleball events and tournaments, including events focused on people with disabilities.
Ridgeway officials decided to pursue a sports complex and were supported by the county, which contributed $100,000 to the project’s cost. O’Der said officials wanted to do something tangible for residents, who often use out-of-town facilities, like the Smith River Complex in Martinsville.
O’Der said he spoke with and took cues from communities that had their own pickleball courts. Collinsville’s Jaycee Park was among the courts he and town staff drew inspiration from for their upcoming project.
Completion of the project is expected sometime in October.
“This really looks like this is going to benefit the whole community,” O’Der said, adding that he feels the complex will have an impact beyond Ridgeway’s borders.
