Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley now offers 12 public pickleball courts and 10 sand volleyball courts near the Coastal Alabama Farmer's and Fishermen’s Market. The city officially opened the new courts on Monday, June 2. Just minutes after the 6 p.m. opening, all 12 pickleball courts were full. Each court had four players enjoying the new space.

“Today is a great day for Foley with lighted courts that are free to the public, and we really are looking forward to this being open,” said Mayor Ralph Hellmich.

The mayor said it took years of planning to make the project happen. City staff, contractors, and City Council members worked together to design and build the courts.

He added that David Thompson, the executive director for leisure services, and his team played a big role in getting the job done.

“The planning that went behind this is incredible,” Hellmich said. We wanted it to fit into this acreage here. Councilman (Charles) Ebert was very passionate about maintaining as much open space. We have housing units nearby. We have open space. We're going to continue to improve all this area, but we believe it all blends together beautifully with the Farmers Market, which is one of the best in our area.”

Impact fees, charges paid by developers building in Foley, paid the cost of the courts.

“This is money that is created by the growth, and it's used to support the needs of our quality of life for our current residents,” Hellmich said. “This did not come out of any tax dollars that residents who live here in Foley pay. It's impact fee money, so it's something that is really an incredible resource for us.”

Thompson said the courts will be a great resource for Foley residents.

“Today is an exciting day for our community,” Thompson said. “We're officially opening our brand-new pickleball complex and our very first beach volleyball courts, and I have to say, they look amazing. These projects are big wins for our residents, and the best part is they're open to the public every day until 10 p.m. So whether you're an early riser or a night owl, we've got you covered with lighted courts and no excuses to get out and play.”

“These new facilities aren't just about sports, they're about community and about giving people a place to come, move, connect and compete,” Thompson added. 

He said a future phase of the park will also include more passive park areas at the site and restroom facilities shared with other areas of the site. 

Thompson said crews from the Foley Public Works Department built the road linking the new courts to Stabler Drive and the new parking lot for the facility.

Thompson said contractors, including Sawgrass Engineering, WAS Design, Harris Contracting, Asphalt Services and Smith Electric, helped make the project a reality.

Hellmich said the council and city staff members are also working on additional plans for new parks.

“As we bring these projects forward, you're going to see signs of future park infrastructure, remodeling and things of that nature around town,” Hellmich said. “We're just going to continue working. We have a plan going forward. We're going to keep implementing these items. There are great things to come.”