MACON, Ga. — Macon rang in the new year in its own way with a pickleball drop at the grand opening of the newest pickleball facility.
Dozens of folks joined in the celebrations and said it's time to get healthy-- and play pickleball.
If getting healthier is one of your New Year's resolutions, the Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events Center may be the place for you.
When Macon-Bibb County announced it would renovate the Macon Mall into pickleball courts, a lot of folks were happy.
Over a hundred teams have already enrolled to play since it was built in November, according to the county, when members from the Macon Pickleball group were invited to test the facility out.
Today, on the first day of 2024, folks celebrated the grand opening of the world's largest indoor pickleball court.
Some came to start the new year with a little exercise and play in tournaments going on all day.
Paul and Alice Williams say they came out to support the community.
As born-and-raised Maconites and local business owners, they're excited for the future of their city and are considering memberships themselves.
"That's what we're thinking, try it out and see how we like it," Paul said.
"Well we may pick up pickleball-- who knows!" Alice chimed in.
The first day of the year is a motivating fresh start for some of us, like Carla Cox, who knows a lot of people are thinking about trying something new.
"I would encourage anybody-- just start somewhere!" Cox said.
In February of 2021, Cox decided she wanted to make it a new year's goal to embark on a fitness journey.
First, she says, she had to change her diet. Then, she needed a support system to keep her on track.
"I started walking, then I started playing pickleball, then I got back to tennis, now I go to the gym," Cox said. "I'm doing stuff all the time now that I, honestly, couldn't do before, because I physically couldn't do it."
Today, 117 pounds lighter, she's a certified health coach with words of encouragement to anybody else setting fitness goals this year.
"Do this, not just for yourself, but do it for those around you, and how you can help, and then continue to serve and love others at your best, and being the best version of yourself." Cox advised.
You can visit Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events everyday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the old Macon Mall on Eisenhower Parkway.