Foley – Baldwin County pickleball players will soon have courts to play regardless of the weather.

OWA Parks and Resort is kicking off 2024 with a big announcement. Four indoor pickleball courts are coming to Downtown OWA in February.

“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and we are thrilled to bring this new offering to Downtown OWA,” said President/CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority Cody Williamson in a statement. “This new indoor entertainment option allows OWA to add community-focused recreational activities for all ages.”

The $600,000 project will be led by Triptek Construction from Atmore. The facility is projected to open in February 2024.

The pickleball facility will occupy an existing space across from the OWA Theater. The handicap-accessible facility will include seating areas, lockers, apparel, snacks, and beverages. Guests can reserve courts online, and an optional membership will provide 24-hour access.

Plans for the facility include pickleball tournaments and the addition of a certified instructor to teach those interested in learning to play the game.

OWA Parks & Resort and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians have two large-scale projects underway, announced in 2023: an $18 million seasonal workforce campus and a $50 million resort-style hotel.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, in collaboration with Holtz Companies and the city of Foley, is creating an affordable and safe housing campus for international students participating in the U.S. Summer Work Travel program (J-1 Visa), H2B Visa program, and others. The first phase, providing beds for 300, is underway, with completion anticipated in the spring of 2024.

In November 2023, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced plans to build a $50 million resort-style hotel on the northeast side of the Tropic Falls water park. The tropical-themed hotel will offer visitors a second lodging option on the OWA property, with plans for it to open in May 2025. Once completed, the hotel will bring the Poarch Band of Creek Indian’s total investment in OWA’s projects to $414 million.

For more information on OWA Parks and Resort, visit www.visitowa.com.