NEW COURTS 2022
In September, 2020, the Timeless Tellico Foundation in conjunction with the Recreation Department and the POA, launched the New Courts Project. The result is our Telliplex with four courts added to the current courts at the Wellness Center. The new facility includes a roofed pavilion that will allow all-weather play. Central to planning for the new courts were four committee members who navigated fundraising and the details for the project. In less than two years, Rich Karakis, Dan Cataldi, Gordon Young, Walt Cook, and Pete Kilmartin took their vision toward completion. On Friday, June 17, 2022, all who pushed the project forward celebrated in a ground-breaking ceremony.
The idea for a pickle ball complex was part of the POA plan as of 2015, explained Marty Inkrott, POA president. Walt Cook, President of the Foundation, explained the obstacles facing the planners. Rising construction costs and material shortages doubled the anticipated cost over the two years of planning while COVID add more delays. Originally, the plan called for two phases of construction. Rich Karakis envisioned building the courts first and then adding the pavilion. Over the two years, enough was raised to build those courts. However, in Spring 2022, the POA decided to fund the remaining work.
Through tournaments and social events, the Club raised $15,000. Generous sponsors added to the funding: Tennessee Orthopedics, Chapman Insurance Group, Citizens Insurance Solutions, RE/Max Excels, and Edward Jones. And individual members also contributed to bring the total to $240,000.
The New Courts project was completed in October 2022, and on November 2, 2022, it officially opened.