Resident proposes eight outdoor pickleball courts, veterans park and grant‑funded upgrades to Stephens County rec facilities

At the Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 26, resident Lamar “Eddie” Haler made a formal presentation urging the county to invest in outdoor pickleball facilities and related park upgrades.

Haler opened by praising the county’s recreation staff and said the county should “graduate” from indoor play and build permanent outdoor courts. “I recommend a total of eight outdoor pickle ball courts,” he told commissioners, outlining a preferred flat site he said would minimize construction and avoid displacing youth baseball fields.

Haler described a layout in which three existing tennis courts would be reconfigured to yield multiple pickleball courts and said tournament‑grade courts could generate rental revenue. He estimated a per‑court cost of about $40,000 and pointed to local and regional tournaments as evidence of demand, saying tournaments could bring visiting players and benefit local businesses.

For funding, Haler suggested a mix of splash funds, private donations and intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with the city and school system. He also raised potential grant opportunities, including an application he said could be available through state natural‑resources programs to support trails and park improvements.

Haler proposed short‑term steps as well: semi‑permanent nets and restriping of existing courts to expand play while long‑term planning proceeds. He offered to volunteer on projects and urged the commission to include recreation upgrades in the county’s five‑year planning and budget considerations.

Commissioners thanked Haler for the presentation and said long‑range planning for the recreation department — including lights, paving and possible pickleball courts — is part of ongoing budget discussions for FY27. One commissioner noted staff is developing a multi‑year plan and that any major investments would be coordinated through that process.

Haler’s full presentation identified preferred locations within the park, suggested recycled concrete could reduce costs, and proposed a veterans 'Walk with Heroes' and a botanical garden tied to grant opportunities. The board did not take immediate action on his requests but invited follow‑up and volunteer participation as staff incorporates recreation priorities into the budget and five‑year plan.