Jones County Unveils New Pickleball Complex with Grand Opening Tournament

There's a new place in Gray to join in on the Pickleball Phenomenom

GRAY, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Jones County officially opened its brand-new, eight-court pickle ball complex Friday evening at the Jones County Recreation Complex, marking a major milestone in the county’s growing embrace of the sport.

The grand opening event drew dozens of players and community members for the inaugural “Pickling with My Peeps” tournament, a cleverly named competition that coincided with National Pickle ball Month. The new courts are located in the heart of the recreation facilities and complement six additional courts that were converted from tennis courts in 2022.

Ahead of the tournament, local leaders and organizers shared their excitement over the new development. Jones County Pickle ball President Michelle Craddock, Jones County Parks, Recreation, and Golf Director Bert Rosenberger, and District Three Commissioner Wendy Vaughn were all on hand to celebrate the occasion.

“So four years ago, I introduced Michelle to the previous commissioner, Jonathan Pitts, who was instrumental in getting pickle ball started here,” Vaughn said. “We began with temporary nets on the old courts. It was originally described as a sport for older, more mature players. Now, we have 13-year-olds begging to get on the courts.”

Rosenberger noted the recent growth in participation, including a team tournament held just weeks prior that he believes was the largest of its kind in central Georgia.

“We’ve got players from nine different counties coming to play this weekend,” Vaughn said. “Macon may have the largest indoor setup, but we’ve got the best outdoor environment. Come on over to Jones County and see us.”

Rosenberger added that the inclusive nature of pickle ball has made it popular across all age groups and skill levels. “There are so many different levels of players, and it’s easy to find someone who matches your skill. It’s a very accessible sport.”

To continue engaging the community, the county plans to offer two free pickle ball sessions later this month—on April 12 and April 26 at 10 a.m.—where no registration is required and all equipment will be provided.

Jones County officials hope the new facility will become a hub for the sport in the region, building on the momentum of what is now the fastest-growing sport in the nation.