The following is from the the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) regarding the management of indoor pickleball programming.
Effective July 1, the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) Department will assume administration for indoor pickleball play at both the Odell Weeks Activities Center and the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center. Our review process identified opportunities to improve overall court access, player rotation, and daily court utilization.
What Will Be Changing? To maximize participation opportunities: The current online reservation system operated through SignUpGenius will be discontinued (July 1st). Indoor pickleball will move to a first-come, first-serve open-play model. Paddle rack rotation systems will be installed to help create an organized, fair, and efficient player rotation process during peak play times. This approach is consistent with the way many parks and recreation departments operate indoor pickleball programs and is standard to how the PRT currently manages indoor volleyball and basketball. The open-play model will offer flexibility, accessibility, and fairness for residents and visitors, while maximizing court time availability for the greatest number of players.
Additional information regarding open play procedures, schedules, and paddle rack guidelines will be shared prior to implementation. Details regarding league play will be released at a later date.
The PRT appreciates your continued support as we work to enhance recreational opportunities for the entire Aiken community.
Sincerely, City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department