Columbia Approves Design Phase for New 12-Court Pickleball Complex

Issue #435

May 13, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Cloudy w/ a few showers later in the day, high of 76 & low of 61

📰 Columbia Approves Design Phase for New 12-Court Pickleball Complex

🎓 Columbia State Celebrated Commencement Ceremonies on May 10th

📌 May 15: Help With Planting at Yanahli Park

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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Columbia Approves Design Phase for New 12-Court Pickleball Complex

Columbia City Council has approved the next phase in bringing a new 12-court pickleball facility to life at Ridley Sports Complex. At its recent meeting, the council voted to enter into a $79,000 contract with Lose Design, a firm specializing in recreation-focused architecture, engineering, and planning.

Under the agreement, Lose Design will create detailed construction documents that outline the court layout and provide flexibility for future expansions. The facility is set to be built on the far football field within Ridley Park, taking advantage of current infrastructure and lighting, which is expected to speed up the overall construction process.

Once the designs are complete, the city will open the project to construction bids. While some minor variables—like irrigation needs and soil testing—could affect the timeline, city officials are optimistic about a quick turnaround. The goal is to have the facility ready for play by fall.

This project represents a significant addition to Columbia’s recreational offerings and aims to meet the growing interest in pickleball across the community.

Columbia State Celebrated Commencement Ceremonies on May 10th

Columbia State Community College celebrated 310 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the spring commencement ceremonies in the Webster Athletic Center on Saturday, May 10. In total, 572 students are anticipated to graduate in Spring 2025.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff and guests.

“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon to be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”

Smith introduced graduates William Cary, Levi Fritsch and Julian Peacock as the guest speakers for the spring commencement ceremonies. Cary delivered the commencement address for the first ceremony while Fritsch and Peacock delivered the address for the second ceremony.

Cary, who has previously earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree, chose to focus his speech on growing and investing in personal education at any age.

“No matter when you start, it’s the determination to finish that matters,” Cary said. “This journey has not been easy. There have been long nights balancing work, school and personal commitments. There have been moments of self-doubt, wondering if I could really make this new career work. But with each class, each lesson and each assignment, I’ve proven to myself that it’s not about where you start, but where you’re willing to go. And what I’ve learned is that it’s never too late to chase what sets your heart on fire.”

He then spoke on the theme of career preparedness and growth as a message to his fellow graduates.

“As we look toward the future, many of us are entering new careers,” Cary said. “For some, it’s a completely different field; for others, it’s a new chapter in an existing path. But one thing is certain — we are more prepared than we’ve ever been before. We’ve invested in ourselves, in our growth and in our futures. We’ve taken the knowledge we’ve gained and turned it into a stepping-stone to new opportunities.”

For his address, Fritsch spoke about how the choices people make, no matter how small, can compound and influence the journeys people take in life.

“Every day, you can choose one of two options: move towards your goals or take the side street,” Fritsch said. “Consistent effort is the decisive factor in success. Make a little progress every day, and the results add up quickly. What's more, every fork in the road shapes your character. Show up every day and you'll be the type of person who shows up every day. Ignore responsibilities for the day, and it will become a habit.”

He ended his speech with a message of encouragement to push forward into each day.

“No journey is possible without the first step,” Fritsch said. “This is true whether you're going to Argentina, towards a life goal or waking up in the morning. Start your day off right with a small success to get the ball rolling.”

The final speaker of Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies was Julian Peacock. For his speech, he touched on his experience with belonging and finding a community.

“When I say I’m not supposed to be here, what I really mean is that I couldn’t have done this alone, without the combined effort of my family, friends and the whole of Columbia State; a sentiment I’m confident we all share,” Peacock said.

He ended his speech on a theme of graduates reinvesting in their communities and to society as a whole after they have received support throughout their time at Columbia State.

“It is now our task to take that value and invest it into the communities and principles that are important to us,” Peacock said. “Despite the varying and diverse goals we had when we arrived, we leave this room unified in experience. I’m eternally grateful for what this college has done for all of us.”

Closing the ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates at the first ceremony was presented by Caitlyn McNabb, Columbia State Tutoring and Learning Center coordinator for the Williamson Campus and Columbia State alum, and Brittany Ebey, Spring 2025 graduate. At the second ceremony, the alumni induction was presented by Dr. Benjamin Womer, Columbia State associate professor of economics and Columbia State alum, and Maggie McCarl, Spring 2025 graduate.

May 15: Help With Planting at Yanahli Park

The bees are settling into their new homes, and the new pollinator garden at Yanahli Park is set to have its ribbon-cutting on May 16th. It's time to get planting! Please join us to get the garden in tip-top shape for the bees AND for the good folks joining us for the ribbon-cutting on May 16th at 7am.

Here's what you need to know:

-Bring your own gloves, spades, hoes, or any planting/weed-pulling paraphernalia you prefer.
-Consider wearing long sleeves since many of our weeds are thorny.
-The meadow is in full sun, so come prepared with sunscreen, hats, something to eat/drink, and anything else you might need.

The bees will appreciate it!

Directions:

Drive most of the way around the roundabout by the Yanahli Trailhead, take the paved road about 100 yards towards the Archery Range. Park by the high tunnel on the left.

The start time is at 4:00 PM, but feel free to come when your schedule allows.

Upcoming Local Events

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Tuesday, May 13th

Wednesday, May 14th

Thursday, May 15th

Friday, May 16th

Saturday, May 17th

Sunday, May 18th

*More Events Coming Soon!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

May 29 - 31: Music City Rodeo

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, May 13th

Justen Harden, Puckett's, 6:00-7:30 PM
Open Mic Night, The Mulehouse, 6:30 PM

Wednesday, May 14th

Kylie Brown, Puckett’s, 6:00-7:30 PM

Thursday, May 15th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-9:00 PM

Friday, May 16th

Music in May, The Awaken House, 5:00-8:00 PM
TBA, The Spot Burgers & Beers, 5:00-8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-8:00 PM
Nick Duhe, Buck and Board, 6:00-8:00 PM
Open Mic Night, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00-9:00 PM
Cross Bridges, Puckett’s, 7:30-9:00 PM
5x5, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00-11:00 PM

Saturday, May 17th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Don Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00-7:00 PM
Trevor Clark, Buck and Board, 5:00-8:00 PM
Scotty Inman, Todd Tilgham & After Grace, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Lisa Law & The Fab 3, Puckett’s, 7:30-9:00 PM
Box of Rox, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00-11:00 PM

Sunday, May 18th

Jay Rin, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00-5:00 PM
CJ Conklin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00-7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00-7:30 PM
DNR, The Rebel, 7:00 PM

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