News Summary
City officials in Augusta are advised to reject a multi-million dollar proposal for a pickleball and tennis complex by developer Troy Akers. Concerns arise regarding its impact on existing projects, particularly the Fleming Tennis Center. The Augusta Commission is focusing on improvements at Diamond Lakes Park, while still considering discussions with Akers. The proposed facility includes numerous courts and a hotel, with potential job creation and tax revenue increases, but skepticism about financial viability remains.
Augusta – City officials in Augusta have been advised to reject a private developer’s proposal for a multi-million dollar pickleball and tennis complex. Municipal employees recommended against the plan put forth by developer Troy Akers, citing concerns that it could undermine existing projects, particularly those related to the Fleming Tennis Center.
This marks a significant moment as it is reportedly the first instance where city officials have considered turning down an unsolicited proposal. Despite the committee’s recommendations, the Augusta Commission members did not outright reject Akers’ plan during their meeting on Tuesday, but they also did not move forward with its approval. Instead, they have decided to focus on necessary improvements at Diamond Lakes Park.
As the situation develops, City Administrator Tameka Allen, along with the finance team and the interim city attorney, plans to meet with Akers and his legal team to discuss potential avenues for the project to progress. Akers’ proposal, which was first introduced in February, envisions a comprehensive sports facility situated off Interstate 20 near Doctors Hospital. This facility would include 18 championship-sized tennis courts and 48 pickleball courts, with half of them indoors.
In addition to the athletic facilities, Akers intends to construct a hotel and a 15,000-square-foot gym featuring a walking track as part of the complex. The entire project has an estimated cost of $80 million, with Akers requesting that the city cover only 10% of the funding, specifically for the construction of the 18 tennis courts. He forecasts that this facility could create around 875 jobs, with 350 direct and 525 indirect employment opportunities arising from the investment.
Akers claims the complex could significantly boost tax revenue, benefiting the broader Augusta community. The project is positioned as a catalyst for economic development that could ultimately lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in investments over its operational lifespan. Furthermore, Akers has framed the proposal as a means to revitalize interest in tennis within Richmond County while also promoting the increasingly popular sport of pickleball.
However, the committee that examined the proposal has expressed skepticism, especially regarding the intended use of SPLOST 8 funds that were earmarked for the previously planned Newman Tennis Center. They voiced a preference for utilizing these funds to repair and resurface existing tennis courts instead. Their memo emphasized the committee’s apprehensions regarding the financial viability of Akers’ project, citing uncertainties related to potential revenues from court rentals, tournament hosting, and pro shop sales.
Concerns have also been raised about the future of the Newman Tennis Center, particularly how Akers’ funding request might jeopardize its existence. In response to the committee’s feedback, Akers has maintained that his project aims to enhance tennis opportunities rather than diminish them. He insists that the initiative will fail if the city decides not to proceed, reaffirming his commitment to investing in the city of Augusta.
Akers has a history of successfully establishing other ventures in the area and is optimistic about repeating that success with this latest project. He is currently in informal discussions with local educational institutions to explore potential collaborative opportunities that could further enrich the community.
The Augusta Commission’s next steps, as well as the outcome of the discussions between city officials and Akers’ legal team, will likely play a crucial role in determining the future of the proposed sports complex.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta Staffers Fight Investor’s Plan for $80M Tennis Pickleball Complex
- Augusta Chronicle: New Augusta Tennis Pickleball Courts
- The Augusta Press: Akers Proposes Pickleball Tennis Complex in West Augusta
- WJBF: Augusta Commissioners React to Pickleball Facility Proposal
- The Augusta Press: Columbia County Racquet Center Reopens
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- Google Search: Augusta Tennis Pickleball Complex
- Google Scholar: Augusta Tennis Pickleball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
- Google News: Augusta Tennis Pickleball
