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Optimist Club urges Dade County to back pickleball clinics, tournament and new courts
Summary
Members of the Trenton Dade Optimist Club urged commissioners to support a three‑phase pickleball initiative—clinics March 21, a 2026 tournament and assistance to develop more public courts—arguing courts could boost tourism and provide intergenerational recreation.
Members of the Trenton Dade Optimist Club told the Dade County Board of Commissioners they will sponsor a three‑phase plan to grow pickleball participation in the county and asked the commission to consider site retrofits and future capital support.
Jane Dixon, past president of the Optimist Club, described the plan: a clinic at local churches on March 21, a club‑run tournament in 2026 and work with the county to expand public court capacity for youth and seniors.
"That sport is called pickleball," Dixon said, describing the clinic and the club’s hope that public courts will support youth and seniors alike.
Sandy White, representing Alliance for Dade and the Chamber, outlined tourism potential, citing national participation figures and conservative estimates that a two‑day regional tournament could generate several hundred overnight stays and meaningful room‑night revenue for lodging and restaurants.
"Pickleball presents a high growth family friendly tourism opportunity that aligns with our assets and lodging mix," White said, recommending modest infrastructure and event planning to capture out‑of‑town visits.
Local players told commissioners they routinely turn away would‑be participants because only two church courts and a small sports‑complex footprint currently exist. Lisa Cagle said about 50–60 people play regularly at two churches and urged retrofitting a tennis court at the sports complex or using Splash/SPLOST funds for an expanded facility.
Commissioners expressed interest and noted SPLOST as a potential funding path for long‑term expansion. Chair said staff will include the request in planning discussions for upcoming SPLOST and Splash proposals and thanked the speakers for organizing clinics and tournaments that could build local participation before larger capital projects move forward.
