The Newton County Board of Commissioners gave a nod of approval for a new outdoor pickleball court to enhance the upcoming Senior Enrichment Center. This decision, reached unanimously last Tuesday, June 17, was fueled by a generous donation of $32,473 from Newton County Senior Services, Inc., enabling the senior community to enjoy their favorite pastime in a fresh, outdoor setting, as per the county's website.
The new Senior Enrichment Center, which is expected to swing open its doors in the fall of 2025, is situated in Denny Dobbs Park along Richards Chapel Road, near Hwy 212. The pickleball court is part of a larger 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax project, aiming to enrich the lives of the county's senior population. Currently, about 60 seniors lob and smash their way through pickleball games at Turner Lake Park gymnasium multiple times a week, and the list includes 38 members of the Newton County Senior Services.
Attested by the county’s Senior Services Director Freda Reed, the sport is more than a ball game for the elderly – it’s a key ingredient in their recipe for well-being. In a statement published by Newton County's official announcement, Reed articulated, “Our seniors have a blast playing pickleball. Pickleball is a fun and beneficial activity to keep their bodies toned and their minds sharp. It also allows seniors to build social relationships in a positive, competitive activity.”
