Mississippi

Largest outdoor Pickleball facility in MS? See where it will be and when it will open

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2024

Largest outdoor Pickleball facility in MS? See where it will be and when it will open

Mississippi can sometimes be late to the party, even with today’s ability to find anything, anywhere with the internet and social media.

Even Pickleball has been a little slow to catch on in the Magnolia State.

Despite that, there are plenty of places to grab a game in the Jackson metro area, but most are private settings that require membership, such as the Country Club of Jackson, The Club at the Township in Ridgeland and even the Picklejar in Jackson as an indoor venue with two courts.

The one public area with access for Pickleball courts is the Ridgeland Tennis Center, which has dual access for four courts that doubles as a tennis court.

Now, one place in the area is changing that.

The City of Flowood has broken ground on a project on Liberty Road that developers said will be the largest outdoor Pickleball facility in Mississippi.

Daniel Lang, director of economic development at City of Flowood, said Monday the city has broken ground and the Pickleball-only courts could be ready as soon as the first of the year.

The development, along Liberty Road, next door to the YMCA, which is expected to cost $3 million, is set for 18 new lighted pickleball courts, a playground with restrooms and a new parking lot.

“Don’t hold me to it, but we believe this will be the largest outdoor Pickleball facility in the state,” Lang said. “We know it has caught on around the country and there are a lot of people who love it and play it.”

Flowood had already jumped on the Pickleball wagon last year, having converted tennis courts at Winner’s Circle Park into four Pickleball Courts. Those will be turned back into full-time tennis courts when all is said and done for a total of 18 Pickleball courts at Liberty Park and five tennis courts at Winner’s Circle Park.

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Lang said he stops short of saying this will be the largest Pickleball facility in the state as a company called Picklr is taking over part of a former Hobby Lobby for a venue in Biloxi on the Gulf Coast. According to their website, that grand opening is set for October 2024 and may have more than 18 courts.

“We can definitely envision having tournaments and hosting people from all over the state,” Lang said. “Pickleball is an exploding sport, and we feel like we have a great place to put courts and for people to play.”

Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads said he wants to expand family-friendly activities.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport and all ages can play,” Rhoads said. “We want to meet that demand and supply as many courts as possible. We want more people to experience all of the great amenities Flowood has to offer and this new Pickleball complex will be for every member of the family to enjoy.”

Ross Reily can be reached by email at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on Twitter @GreenOkra1.

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Mississippi

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

Published

4 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.

The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.

Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.

Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.

NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.

The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.

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Mississippi

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Ole Miss is working to eventually flip Mississippi State cornerback commit Brandon Allen Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.). Ahead of a packed spring travel schedule, visiting multiple programs, Allen speaks on his current recruitment with Rebels247.com.

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Mississippi

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Staff
| Mississippi Clarion Ledger

A Mississippi wood products manufacturer is investing nearly $5 million in an expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling’s project is expected to create 10 new jobs in Wiggins.
The expansion includes a new treatment plant and an additional 20 acres for storage.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2026.

A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.

Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.

The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.

“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”

Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.

The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.

The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.

Stone County is also contributing to the project.

The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.

The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.

Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.

The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.

This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

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