Former Dillard’s Space at Aiken Towne Park Under Contract for Year-Round Pickleball

A portion of the former Dillard’s at Aiken Towne Park is under contract and could be converted into an indoor, year-round pickleball facility, a change that would expand playing options for Aiken players and regional visitors. Dr. Troy Akers is exploring the site and has identified its potential to create a facility that supports consistent play through rain, heat, and winter weather.

The contract went through Feb. 9, and the space under consideration sits inside the mall footprint, offering the kind of large floorplate needed to fit multiple courts. An indoor conversion would address recurring issues for local players: cancelations during summer storms, limited winter practice windows, and a shortage of contiguous courts for tournaments. For amateurs juggling work and family schedules, an indoor venue could make regular evening and weekend league play more reliable.

Dr. Troy Akers, who has been surveying the property, said the location and interior layout make the space a promising candidate for conversion. Details about the number of courts, ownership or operating partners, renovation timeline, and public access plans have not been released. Those specifics will determine whether the site becomes a private club, a municipally partnered community center, or a hybrid combining drop-in play with membership leagues.

For players, the practical upsides are straightforward. Year-round indoor courts reduce weather-related cancellations, open the door to structured beginner clinics during colder months, and make it easier to host sanctioned tournaments or multi-day events that attract players from neighboring communities. Local instructors and small businesses that provide lessons, clinics, and paddle gear would likely see increased demand if the site offers stable court time and spectator capacity.

A conversion at Aiken Towne Park could also shift play patterns across Aiken County. Outdoor parks may see relief from overcrowded prime-time hours, while organized league nights and ladder play could move indoors for consistent court conditions. That would help players focus on skill development - the dinks, serves, and third-shot transitions that matter most when weather is not a factor.

Next steps include formal lease closing, renovation plans, and a public announcement with operational details. Until then, players should watch for local updates and be ready to adapt league schedules and clinic offerings if an indoor facility materializes. If Dr. Troy Akers' exploration leads to a completed conversion, Aiken could gain a central hub for year-round play, tournaments, and community programming that strengthens the local pickleball scene.