New Pickleball Courts at Creekwood Park Bring Fresh Energy to Perry
Pickleball enthusiasm is sweeping the nation and now, Perry residents have brand-new courts right here at home. Creekwood Park is officially the newest destination for players of all ages and skill levels, featuring beautifully designed courts that are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset for free play.
To learn more about how this project came to life, we sat down with Perry Leisure Services Director Curtis Coates to talk about design, funding, and what these courts mean for our community.
Meeting a Community Need
When asked why pickleball courts were added to Creekwood Park, Coates said the answer was simple: Perry residents were asking for it.
“It was a community need - a new service to provide for newcomers and longtime residents who enjoy playing pickleball,” he explained. “Now they have something local in their own backyard. They don’t have to drive to Robins or Macon unless they want to.”
Pickleball’s rise in popularity made it clear that Perry needed a dedicated space for residents to play, practice, and gather. The courts are designed to be a welcoming, accessible way to enhance recreation options for families and individuals alike.
How the Project Was Funded
The project was made possible through SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funding, demonstrating the community’s continuous investment in parks, recreation, and quality-of-life amenities.
“This was a SPLOST-funded project,” Coates noted, referring to the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. “SPLOST makes enhancements like this possible.”
A Focus on Design, Comfort, and Community
These courts aren’t just functional - they’re thoughtfully crafted.
Coates wanted something unique, inviting, and reflective of Perry’s character.
“The inspiration behind it was that I wanted it to be unique - not like other pickleball courts you would see,” he said. “I wanted it to be very inviting and also provide a level of comfort.”
One of the standout features is the comfortable seating area, an intentional improvement over many pickleball and tennis court layouts.
And yes, players may notice the texture in the court surface.
“You can see and feel a little bit of sand in the paint,” Coates explained. “It’s there for traction and grip to help limit injuries.”
Open Daily for Free Play
The courts are open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. They are free for anyone to use unless they have been reserved for a tournament or special event. A rental rate is now in place for groups interested in hosting formal play.
Strengthening Community Through Play
Above all, Coates says he hopes the pickleball courts become a place where residents can build community and enjoy the outdoors.
“A sense of community, enjoyment, and improving quality of life through recreation - that’s what we hope people get out of it,” he shared.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a paddle for the first time, the new courts at Creekwood Park are ready for you. Bring a friend, meet a neighbor, and enjoy one of Perry’s newest recreation amenities.
Creekwood Park – 110 Ida Lasseter Circle
Open daily, sunrise to sunset