FOLEY – Foley residents now have even more opportunities to stay active and enjoy the outdoors with the opening of 12 public pickleball courts and 10 sand volleyball courts. The new facilities are located just north of the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market.
The city celebrated the grand opening on Monday, June 2, with a dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. Within minutes, every pickleball court was filled with players—48 in total —highlighting the community’s excitement for the new amenities.
“Today is a great day for Foley,” said Mayor Ralph Hellmich. “These lighted courts are free to the public, and we’re excited to have them open. It’s a testament to years of planning and hard work by our staff, contractors, and council members.”
Mayor Hellmich praised the efforts of the city’s Leisure Services Department, led by Executive Director David Thompson, for bringing the project to completion. He also recognized Councilman Charles Ebert’s commitment to maintaining open space in the area.
“We wanted this project to blend beautifully into the space around the Farmers Market, nearby housing, and existing open areas,” Hellmich said. “It’s part of a bigger vision for this area, and it all came together really well.”
The project was funded entirely through impact fees—charges paid by developers to help meet the infrastructure needs created by growth in Foley.
“This didn’t come out of local taxpayers’ pockets,” Hellmich said. “It’s a great example of using growth-generated revenue to improve quality of life for everyone in Foley.”
Thompson called the opening a major win for the community.
“This is an exciting day,” he said. “We now have a full pickleball complex and our first-ever beach volleyball courts, and they look fantastic. They’re open every day until 10 p.m., so whether you’re up early or out late, these lighted courts are ready when you are.”
More than just athletic facilities, Thompson said the new courts offer a place for people to connect and build community.
“These are spaces for people to come together, to move, to socialize, and to compete,” he said.
Thompson said future plans for the site include more passive park areas at the site and additional restroom facilities to the shared with other areas of the park location.
Thompson also credited the Foley Public Works Department for building the new access road connecting the courts to Stabler Drive and completing the parking lot. He recognized several contractors who contributed to the project, including Sawgrass Engineering, WAS Design, Harris Contracting, Asphalt Services, and Smith Electric.
Mayor Hellmich said more recreational projects are on the way.
“We’re not done yet,” he said. “You’ll see more signs of park improvements and new facilities throughout town. We have a plan, and we’re moving forward with it. There are great things ahead for Foley.”