Pickleballers and park goers now have new amenities to enjoy at Lake Tobesofkee!

On Thursday, September 30, County leaders and community members celebrated the completion of major Sandy Beach Park improvements with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The renovations were the next phase of facility and beautification projects at the Lake, which include four new pickleball courts, enclosing most of the existing pavilion, and updating other pavilions, as well as renovating more bathrooms and pavilions at Claystone Park.

“Lake Tobesofkee is the crown jewel of District 6 and all of Macon-Bibb,” said District 6 Commissioner Raymond Wilder. “The upgrades here would not be possible without the public’s support of the SPLOST. From the beaches, trails, biking, camping, disk golf, and now pickleball, we have a lot going on at Lake Tobesofkee.

Among the speakers were Commissioner Wilder, Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell, Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) Advisory Committee Chair Theron Ussery, Architect Gene Dunwoody, Contractor Warren Selby, and Joe McDaniel with the Macon Pickleball Association.

The four pickleball courts added sit on a hill that overlooks the lake, giving players a one-of-a-kind view.

“It’s important that we now have courts in West Bibb County to go with the 17, and hopefully 8 more, pickleball courts in Macon-Bibb,” said McDaniel. “Pickleball is not only the fastest growing sports in our County, but throughout the country. These courts, with this view, are really going to make a difference.”

The project was funded by approximately $1.1 million in voter-approved SPLOST funds. Construction on the project started in March 2021. Phase Two follows previous improvements which were completed in March 2021. Those improvements included guardhouses at all three parks (Claystone, Arrowhead, and Sandy Beach), the new ranger station in Claystone Park (to replace the trailers that used to be the offices), and two restroom facilities in Claystone and Sandy Beach Parks.