Opelika, Alabama

that come here. They are always at the table with us when we are recruiting new industry.” The college also works with the local high school, offering a dual-enrollment program and career training for students who are looking for something other than a four-year college program after high school. Opelika isn’t all work and no play, especially when it comes to pickleball. The sport, which is played using a wooden paddle and a ball has similarities to badminton and table tennis. Mayor Fuller boasts, “I say this with no hesitation, we have the finest pickleball facility in the southeast. We have 12 courts that are covered, so in rainy weather, bad weather, hot sunshine, folks can play pickleball in Opelika. We are so pleased with the participation in pickleball that at a recent city council meeting, the council approved us constructing 12 more courts at our SportsPlex.” The Opelika SportsPlex, a multimillion-dollar facility also contains an indoor walking track and aquatic center. The additional 12 pickleball courts will be an added attraction for locals, but also for those outside of the community. Fuller notes, “It attracts visitors to Opelika – they come, they stay in our hotels, they visit our restaurants, and they visit our historic downtown area.” Downtown Opelika has been experiencing its own vibrant transformation over the past 10 years. With walkable streets, historic buildings, and an abundance of unique shops and experiences, there is something for everyone. “It’s just booming downtown,” says Leigh Krehling, Communications Relations Manager. “We have two breweries and a distillery, several great