Town of Huntingdon and the Huntingdon Special School District Approve New Tennis and Pickleball Complex

HUNTINGDON (August 25) — After several years of planning, a new tennis and pickleball complex will become a reality after the Town of Huntingdon City Council approved the project at its monthly meeting on August 25. The Town of Huntingdon has identified the need in recent years. Additionally, the Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education has prioritized the complex as a goal as currently the Huntingdon High School (HHS) tennis team uses the courts at Bethel University for practice and competition.

According to Mayor Chad Edwards, “Anytime we can come together with our school system to complete a project of this size and improve our public parks, it is a win for Huntingdon.”

After receiving bids and procuring the project to potential vendors, the guaranteed maximum price of the project is $1,893,949. With the support of State Senator John Stevens and Representative Brock Martin, the Town of Huntingdon received a direct appropriation from the state of Tennessee for $1.5 million that must specifically go to fund the project. Additionally, the Wright Charitable Trust Fund at Carroll Bank and Trust will contribute $300,000 toward the completion of the project. The Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education has agreed to provide the land of approximately three acres for the site and will provide the remaining funding if needed to cover the final costs of the project.

The project has attracted much interest over the years as citizens have advocated for tennis  and pickleball courts that are adequate for public recreation and competition. Together, the Town of Huntingdon and the Huntingdon Special School District explored a variety of options to fulfil their need for such a complex. The Huntingdon Tennis and Pickleball Complex will include eight pickleball courts, six tennis hard courts, public restrooms, lighting, pavilion, and an adjacent parking lot for visitors. The complex is an adjunction to the existing Kelley Sports Complex and will be located on the campus of Huntingdon High School.

The complex will serve as a venue for public recreation to school-sponsored events. The complex will be accessible to anyone in the community interested in playing tennis or pickleball.

Both activities are considered life-long sports that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Pickleball is considered to be the fastest growing sport in the United States today. Due to having six tennis courts, Huntingdon will be able to attract visitors from other communities due to the potential to host future high school and community tournaments. According to Director of Schools, Dr. Jonathan Kee, “this is a reminder that when you work together for the greater good, our community reaps the benefits, it is what makes Huntingdon special.” Construction is tentatively planned to break ground in 30-60 days. Weather permitting, completion of the project is anticipated by March, 2027.