Fairhope, Alabama, is continuing its commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation with a major upgrade to the Mike Ford Tennis Center. The city has begun construction on a state-of-the-art pickleball complex, which will add 12 new outdoor pickleball courts to the area. The expansion is part of a larger $800,000 project that includes not only pickleball courts but also three additional tennis courts. Once completed, this project will bring the total number of outdoor courts in Fairhope to 18.
Construction work is already underway, with contractors prepping the site where the outdoor fitness course once stood. Despite a brief pause due to rainy weather on November 6, 2024, local pickleball enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the new courts. Currently, those hoping to get a game in have been frequenting the Fairhope Rec Center, where the sport has grown immensely in popularity over the past few years. “You have to plan ahead,” said Cary Bathrick, a local player. “Sometimes during busy hours, you need a reservation, and other times, early mornings are the best time to avoid the crowds.”
Pickleball, known as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, continues to draw in new players. The new courts will not only ease the pressure on existing facilities but also encourage more players to visit and participate. Frances McGowin, another Fairhope resident, expressed optimism about the impact the new courts will have on the community. “I think it will help spread out the crowds and attract more visitors,” she said. “Having more courts could even make it possible for us to host tournaments, which would be great for the local economy.”
This expansion at the Mike Ford Tennis Center is just one example of how Fairhope has been investing heavily in its parks and recreation infrastructure. Over the past decade, the city has directed $10 million toward improving recreational opportunities for residents. Mayor Sherry Sullivan emphasized the broader benefits of such investments, noting that they not only enhance quality of life but also attract new residents and businesses. “People who work remotely or are looking for communities to settle in often seek out places that offer recreational opportunities,” she explained. “This kind of investment helps us compete as a desirable place to live and work.”
In addition to the pickleball courts, the new facilities will include three updated tennis courts, with one of them replacing the existing four pickleball courts. The entire expansion project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025. As Fairhope continues to grow, the city’s focus on recreational amenities promises to keep pace with the demands of both its residents and visitors, offering more opportunities for outdoor activity and community engagement.