to Pictona in the same way golfers try to live on or near a golf course ,” said Holly Hill City Manager Joe Forte .
“ There have been several business opportunities that have grown as a result of Pictona . For example , an increase has been seen at the local CBD ( Cannabidiol ) business that offers products to several members . More recently , a local business owner is working on developing
Joe Forte a large tract of land into a recreational RV park . Many pickleball players are also avid RVers who like to travel to destinations like Pictona and this RV park will be the perfect accompaniment .”
Taking Pictona to the next level , a $ 5 million expansion will create a championship court , stadium seating for 1,200 people and skyboxes that overlook the stadium , along with an additional 24 courts and a 5,000 sq . foot education center , solidifying the facility ’ s established place at the highest levels of the sport .
“ The City of Holly Hill feels this was such a great investment in this project that the City is now committing another $ 1 million to the development of Pictona , Phase 2 which is expected to begin
construction in October and be completed in one year ,” he said , noting the economic momentum created as a result of Pictona .
“ The attraction of local and out of town visitors to Pictona has improved the overall impression of Holly Hill and , with the increase in positive comments about the city , has increased interest in several other areas .” As for the co-founders , it ’ s a dream come true . “ We ’ re proud to be working with the City of Holly Hill to provide a community center that promotes health and physical activity ,” said Rainer Martens , while wife Julie notes , “ and building all these courts provides a “ fix ” for our own positive addiction to pickleball .”
Danielle Anderson has worked in the public relations and media industry for a decade . She started her career as a reporter for Flagler Broadcasting where she discovered her passion for telling the stories of communities in Florida .
NOVEMBER 2021 | 13 |