AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The game was on at the Montclair Pickleball Courts, with members saying sometimes you have to wait to get a match.
“There’s like 30 people waiting to play on a busy weekend, so definitely pickleball is a growing sport – fastest growing sport in the country,” said Peggy Greco, a member.
It’s pickleball fever, and Augusta city leaders appear to be catching it.

“We always talk about walkable communities and what that looks like, trails and biking, so pickleball is one of those things and it is the new craze,” said Commissioner Stacy Pulliam.
Now, commissioners are presented with a proposal for a large tennis/pickleball center in west Augusta, with 48 pickleball courts to meet a growing demand.

“I think it would be a good idea. What’s it going to hurt? If anything, it’s going to be a win-win for all of us,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.  
But commissioners who like the idea said it should not just be the city footing the bill.

“I like it. I want to see what we could do, but I don’t want us to put all of the money in it,” said Commissioner Francine Scott.
At Montclair, we wanted to know if the players would like to see their tax dollars involved.
“There’s 400 members here and there are people waiting to get in. Yes, it’s thriving, so it’s a good thing and I think the city should be involved,” said Dave Hyams.

Augusta is starting to get in the game. An evaluation committee will be doing  a financial analysis of the proposal and will be making a recommendation back to commissioners.