News Summary
Augusta Athletics has formed a partnership with DiNK’D Pickleball to promote community engagement and active lifestyles in the Central Savannah River Area. This collaboration will enhance programming and events at the indoor pickleball facility, as interest in the sport grows. The partnership also supports the proposal for a new tennis-pickleball complex in West Augusta, which could create significant economic impact and jobs, reflecting Augusta Athletics’ commitment to the community.
Augusta — Augusta Athletics has entered into a new partnership with DiNK’D Pickleball, marking a significant step in promoting community engagement and encouraging active lifestyles within the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). The collaboration aims to bolster the connection between Augusta University and its surrounding community through shared events and initiatives focused on the sport of pickleball.
While pickleball is not recognized as a varsity sport at Augusta University, this partnership allows for expanded programming and support for events at DiNK’D Pickleball, the only indoor pickleball facility in the CSRA. The facility has been rapidly gaining popularity, with over 20,000 visitors in the last seven months. This trend underscores the growing interest in the sport and its potential to unite people of all ages and skill levels.
DiNK’D Pickleball is dedicated exclusively to the sport, offering an environment for players ranging from beginners to advanced athletes. Their facility is outfitted to accommodate various events and features award-winning food service, as well as a full-service bar, making it a community hub for both recreation and social engagement.
The partnership comes amid discussions regarding the proposal of a new public-private partnership for a large-scale 66-court tennis-pickleball complex in West Augusta. This proposed complex is expected to feature 18 championship-sized tennis courts, 48 pickleball courts (with half of those indoors), 500 parking spaces, and a 200-bed hotel. Such developments indicate a concerted effort to enhance the area’s recreational offerings and stimulate economic growth.
According to estimates, the planned tennis-pickleball complex could generate an economic impact of $158 million over the span of five years, creating approximately 875 jobs in the process. Additionally, the proposal includes amenities such as a 100,000-square-foot commencement center and a 15,000-square-foot gym. These developments align with Augusta Athletics’ commitment to fostering relationships that benefit not only student-athletes but the broader community in the region.
The leadership at Augusta Athletics expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership, recognizing DiNK’D Pickleball’s commitment to service and its innovative approach to community involvement. By collaborating with DiNK’D, Augusta Athletics seeks to create a positive impact and promote active engagement among local residents.
This partnership reflects a broader initiative by Augusta Athletics to forge partnerships that resonate with its mission. Aiming to provide more opportunities for community engagement, the collaboration with DiNK’D Pickleball is seen as a visionary move to advance interest in the sport while enriching the cultural fabric of the Augusta community.
As the discussions surrounding the public-private partnership for the new complex continue, residents and stakeholders are keenly observing the developments. The proposed expansion of pickleball facilities, alongside the commitment to promoting health and wellness, signifies a forward-looking approach to sports and community engagement in the CSRA.
In summary, the formation of this strategic partnership not only highlights the increasing popularity of pickleball but also aims to enhance the overall recreational landscape of Augusta and its surrounding areas. Through collaboration with DiNK’D Pickleball, Augusta Athletics is making strides to encourage active lifestyles while simultaneously benefiting the local economy.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Jags: Augusta Athletics Partners with DiNK’D Pickleball
- Augusta Chronicle: New Augusta Tennis-Pickleball Courts
- Augusta Jags: Augusta Athletics Honored with Award
- Sports Business Journal: Inside the Fort
- Augusta Jags: Community Easter Egg Hunt
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- Google Search: Pickleball
- Google Scholar: Pickleball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
- Google News: Pickleball
