Georgui Kasaev

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Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., is coming to Oconee County in a big way. Dave Moran and Eric Middleton, two Atlanta-based businessmen, have announced their plans to open Pickleball Kingdom by the summer of 2025. The site, located just north of Watkinsville off U.S. Highway 441, will feature a massive 45,000-square-foot indoor facility housing 16 courts, locker rooms, and a pro shop offering pickleball gear.

Moran and Middleton signed a franchise agreement with Pickleball Kingdom, a national franchise with facilities already established in Texas and Washington. Despite their initial plans to open a location in Atlanta, the Athens area quickly emerged as a prime market.

A Growing Sport in a Growing Market
Athens, Georgia, known for its vibrant community and sports culture, is a natural fit for this new venture. "Athens was always on our mind," said Moran, whose wife attended the University of Georgia (UGA), as did his business partner, Middleton. "We see it as a fast-growing market for a lot of reasons."

Pickleball, a sport combining elements of badminton, table tennis, and wiffle ball, was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Today, it’s attracting players from a variety of sports backgrounds. "There is a big contingent of people coming over from tennis," said Moran. "The tennis courts are often vacant because everyone’s playing pickleball now."

In Athens, the sport has already gained a foothold, with the Athens Area Pickleball Association actively promoting the game. The facility in Oconee County will serve this growing community, providing a state-of-the-art venue where players can enjoy the sport year-round.

Why Indoors?
While outdoor pickleball is popular, indoor facilities like Pickleball Kingdom offer clear advantages. “The wind and sun can be a challenge when playing outside,” Moran explained. “Playing indoors allows people to enjoy the game in optimal conditions year-round.” The lightweight, plastic ball used in pickleball is particularly susceptible to wind, making indoor courts more appealing for serious and recreational players alike.

A Game for All Ages
One of the sport’s biggest attractions is its inclusivity. Moran himself plays pickleball with his 88-year-old father and teenage children, highlighting the game’s accessibility to all generations. "There are not many sports where you can bring the entire family together and have a great time," he said. The simple rules and quick pace make it easy to pick up, but challenging enough to keep players engaged.

Community Impact
Beyond the game itself, Moran and Middleton are excited about the community-building potential of pickleball. "There is a strong social aspect to pickleball that Eric and I fell in love with," Moran noted. The duo envisions their facility as a hub for local players, including young athletes. “The sport has become so popular with younger players that you're starting to see college teams and club teams forming. We want to support that growth," Moran said. With pickleball gaining traction at universities, including UGA, Pickleball Kingdom could become a key venue for collegiate tournaments and events.

A New Era for Athens Sports
The indoor facility is set to accommodate not just the recreational crowd but also more competitive players. The sport is governed by national and international associations, with organized competitions at every level, from amateur to professional. Given its growing popularity, pickleball could soon become as much a part of Athens' athletic culture as football.

In an area known for its strong ties to sports, Pickleball Kingdom will be a valuable addition to the community, offering a new way for people of all ages and abilities to stay active. The indoor courts will also help reduce the strain on outdoor recreational areas, providing a dedicated space for pickleball enthusiasts to play and connect with others.

With construction slated to begin soon, Pickleball Kingdom is expected to open its doors by summer 2025, marking a new chapter in the local sports scene and adding to the vibrant athletic culture that Athens and Oconee County are known for.

Whether you're an experienced player or a newcomer to the game, Pickleball Kingdom will offer the perfect environment to sharpen your skills and enjoy this increasingly popular sport.

For additional stories about Athens and valuable information, you can explore Georgui Kassaev's blog at https://www.myresidencesold.com/blog.php.

If you're curious about the value of your home, Georgui offers a free tool to help you determine its worth, which you can access at https://myre.io/08mu2U11o5zn.

Georgui Kassaev is here to assist with all your commercial and residential real estate needs and roofing concerns. Feel free to reach out to him at 706-928-9959.

Great news Athens! Plans Announced for Pickleball Kingdom in Oconee County, Georgia. Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., is coming to Oconee County in a big way. Dave Moran and Eric

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens, Georgia, is gaining recognition as a vibrant, evolving city while maintaining its deep-rooted, quirky charm. Known for housing the University of Georgia (UGA)—the first state-chartered college in the U.S., established in 1785—Athens has grown from being a college town into a cultural hub that blends tradition with a contemporary edge.

For decades, Athens has been renowned for its dynamic music scene. The B-52s and REM, both products of Athens, played an instrumental role in shaping the post-punk and indie music genres of the late 20th century. Their influence still echoes in the city today, attracting artists and musicians from across the country. Athens, once famous for its gritty dive bars, crowded music halls, and underground parties, is evolving into a more polished, sophisticated destination.

The Georgia Theatre, which has hosted legendary acts such as BB King and The Police, recently celebrated its 45th anniversary as a concert venue. Meanwhile, Wuxtry Records—a cornerstone for music lovers since 1976—will mark its 50th anniversary soon, continuing its legacy as the go-to spot for discovering vinyl records from local legends like Widespread Panic and Drive-By Truckers. The maturation of these iconic landmarks signifies Athens' transition from a rebellious college town into a cultured city, without losing its musical heart.

Today, Athens isn't just about music. With a population of around 130,000, including 40,000 students, this Southern city has established itself as a culinary destination. Restaurants like Five & Ten, a pioneer of the "Modern Southern" cuisine, have helped redefine Athens' food scene. This trend has continued with newer establishments like Puma Yu's and Birdies Sandwich Shop, drawing both locals and visitors to experience a diverse range of flavors.

The arrival of the 8,500-person Akins Ford Arena, set to open soon, will add yet another attraction to the city. Expected to host large concerts, hockey games where Athenians can cheer for the newly formed Rock Lobsters, and other major events, the arena further proves that Athens is growing and thriving.

Athens' evolution into a refined, vibrant city hasn't gone unnoticed by tourists. Visitor spending has surged by over 30% since 2019, with people increasingly drawn to the city's unique mix of Southern hospitality and urban sophistication. According to Janet Geddis, owner of Avid Bookshop, Athens offers a rare combination: "It feels like a small town, but it's also a place of creativity and activism usually found in larger cities."

Despite its growth, many residents are committed to preserving Athens' distinct character. The city's laid-back, artsy vibe remains intact, making it a place where locals are free to "let their freak flag fly." Mike Mills of REM, who has lived in Athens since 1979, believes the city's charm lies in its creative spirit: "There are a lot more dining choices than there used to be, and there’s still plenty of music."

As Athens continues to develop, it has managed to strike a balance between embracing change and holding on to the elements that made it unique in the first place. The culinary and cultural scenes have matured, drawing in new residents and visitors alike, while the music and artistic energy that first put Athens on the map remain ever-present.

For those looking to experience this exciting blend of tradition and modernity, Athens offers a wealth of things to do. From the Georgia Museum of Art, which houses works by Picasso and O'Keeffe, to UGA's Sanford Stadium, home of the national championship-winning Georgia Bulldogs, the city offers a wide range of attractions that showcase its past and future.

Athens is a city on the rise, offering a unique experience to both longtime residents and new visitors. Whether it's enjoying a concert at the Georgia Theatre, exploring the vibrant food scene, or simply soaking in the creative atmosphere, there's no shortage of things to do in this cool college town.

For more insights into Athens' evolving landscape, visit Georgui Kassaev's blog at https://www.myresidencesold.com/blog.php.

If you're curious about the value of your home, Georgui offers a free tool to help you determine its worth, which you can access at https://myre.io/08mu2U11o5zn.

Georgui Kassaev is here to assist with all your commercial and residential real estate needs and roofing concerns. Feel free to reach out to him at 706-928-9959. Whether you’re planning to move to Athens or just passing through, don’t hesitate to reach out for all your real estate needs.

Athens, Georgia: Where Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City Vibes Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens, Georgia, is gaining

The official groundbreaking for the 211-mile trail from Athens to Savannah was set for 11 a.m. on Saturday. Bartow Road in Sandersville. This public ceremony marked the start of construction on what will become the longest paved trail in the United States. The celebration will follow the annual Sandersville Sizzler 5K Trail Run and MTB Race.

“Getting to this day has been a big lift,” said Mitch Sheppard, Board President for Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. “We have been fortunate to earn support from amazing partners that have helped move this ambitious project forward. Greta deMayo and her team have helped us realize the dreams of Hi-Lo Founder, Mary Charles Howard.”

The first phase of the project, the Washington County Model Project, will cover a 2.2-mile segment within Forest Grove Preserve, a site recognized as a Georgia Centennial Farm and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This segment will feature key highlights, including the trail being the longest arboretum in the U.S. The initial segment begins at Ridge Road Elementary, located north of Forest Grove Preserve, and ends at the southern end of Forest Grove Preserve.

The trail in Athens will connect to the 39-mile-long Firefly Trail. “We see how trails promote community prosperity and wellness — from spurring economic development and offering alternative transportation options to creating safe, peaceful greenspaces that nurture physical and emotional health,” said Greta deMayo, Executive Director of PATH Foundation. “We’re excited to join Georgia Hi-Lo and are with them for the long haul as they embark on this ambitious journey over the next three decades.”

Future developments are planned for Greene, Hancock, Johnson, Emanuel, Bulloch, Effingham, and Chatham Counties. The detailed plan, created in collaboration with the nonprofit PATH Foundation, is available on GeorgiaHiLo.org.

For those who love outdoor adventures, an exciting trail project is in the works that will connect Athens to the picturesque Georgia coast, offering a remarkable journey filled with nature, community, and vitality. This ambitious project aims to create a 250-mile paved, road-separated trail that winds through small towns, providing a unique pathway for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and connect with the beauty of Georgia.

The trail, aptly symbolizing “MORE,” signifies more than just a physical pathway — it promises more experiences, more connections, and more smiles. From enjoying the wonders of nature to engaging in conversations with friends, this trail is set to offer a wide range of enriching experiences for all who embark on its journey.

The project is comprised of two interconnected trail initiatives:

1. Firefly Trail: The journey begins in Athens and stretches to Union Point, covering a distance of 39 miles once completed. Firefly Trail, Inc., an organization that has been trailblazing since 2007, is at the forefront of this effort, weaving a path through small communities and laying the foundation for this transformative trail.

2. Georgia Hi-Lo Trail: Extending from Union Point, the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail ventures further, covering an impressive 211-mile stretch through rural Georgia, culminating in the coastal beauty of Savannah. This trail seeks to create a safe passage for walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and more, offering an inclusive platform for outdoor enthusiasts to come together.

The impact of trails like these has been seen nationwide. The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail is poised to replicate this success, fostering community engagement and economic development in underdeveloped areas along its route. Collaborative efforts between the Hi-Lo team, led by Mary Charles Howard, and Caila Brown’s team at Bike Walk Savannah are driving this ambitious project forward.

Caila Brown, from Bike Walk Savannah, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting how the trail’s emphasis on community connectivity aligns with their goals. The trail serves as more than just a physical pathway — it’s a conduit for fostering relationships between towns and revitalizing regions.

Mary Charles Howard’s optimism shines through, as she envisions a future where cities and towns unite to support this project. With collective efforts, the trail could potentially be completed before 2030, promising a transformative impact on both outdoor experiences and community vibrancy.

As plans for the trail’s Comprehensive Master Plan unfold, anticipation grows for the exciting developments that lie ahead. The trail is set to offer not only a pathway for outdoor activities but also a platform for shared experiences, camaraderie, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

This ambitious project holds the promise of “MORE” for everyone — a broader connection to nature, a stronger sense of community, and a journey filled with joy, exploration, and enrichment. So get ready to embrace the trail of “MORE,” a remarkable path that connects Athens to the breathtaking beauty of the Georgia coast.

And if you’re considering residential or commercial real estate in Athens, don’t forget to explore my blog at https://www.myresidencesold.com/blog.php for all things Athens. For expert assistance in real estate and roofing needs, reach out to Georgui Kassaev at 706–928–9959. Your journey of discovery and real estate ventures are in capable hands!

Groundbreaking for 211-Mile Athens-to-Savannah Trail: First Steps of the Hi-Lo Bike Trail! The official groundbreaking for the 211-mile trail from Athens to Savannah was set for 11 a.m. on Saturday. Bartow Road