The relatively new game of pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America, touted as being fun for the whole family. The good news is that not only the City of Magee but also D’Lo Water Park is building courts as one of the new opportunities offered though the park.
Pickleball is a four-person game that is played just like ping pong. The ball should be struck with a paddle held below the waist. As in ping pong, players must win by two points. It can also be played by two people. The game requires little equipment, only a 32-inch net and wooden paddles. The regulation court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
It is being billed as “the new family fun event,” and some people claim it is a great way to meet other players.
The concrete work on the courts at D’Lo Waterpark is being done by Anthony Keyes, who has a full crew on board preparing the 76-yard slab needed to build the court. Keyes, the foreman for the job as well as finisher on the concrete, said it could take a total of 80 yards of concrete to complete the project. The concrete court was designed to be used for other events like the placement of the portable stage for entertainment venues. Three courts are under construction. The Simpson County Road Department built and leveled the pads.
D’Lo Water Park is adding the new courts to the resources they already offer to the public. This comes on the heels of the opening of new glamping facilities at the park with three glamping stations which will soon be open for year-round use. A tent-style structure is also offered in the park proper. The remaining three sites are in the park property across the river from the boat launch.
Other recent improvements to the park include a portable stage for events like the concert that was held in the river for the Fourth of July with live entertainment by Johnnie Gregory and local band Area Code 601. The evening culminated in a live fireworks show.
These events are made possible through public and private donations to help sponsor these programs. Peoples Bank and PriorityOne have been leaders as well as Broadhead Building Supply, The Magee Courier/Simpson County News and the Simpson County Development Foundation. The Simpson County Board of Supervisors has played a big role in supporting projects at the park also.
D’Lo Water Park offers a complete float service for the Strong River. The only equipment needed is “a big smile,” according to Patricia Smith, park manager.
The park is owned and operated by Simpson County Board of Supervisors with representatives from each of the five districts: Monroe Allen, Doug Eichwartzele, R. D. Nelson, Butch Magee and Pat Brown.
