IOP Rec Pickleball courts
The city of Isle of Palms hosted a grand opening ceremony for its two new pickleball courts and two newly renovated basketball courts April 17.
Construction at the city’s Recreation Center began in the fall of 2022. Both the addition of dedicated pickleball courts and the rehabilitation of the basketball courts were highly anticipated by the Isle of Palms community. The basketball courts are now regulation-sized and have been graded and crowned for proper drainage and water runoff.
The fast-growing game of pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and Ping-Pong. With a dedicated area to play pickleball, IOP residents and visitors will no longer need to convert the tennis courts to play pickleball. One of the tennis courts will be dedicated to tennis, while the second will have the flexibility to be converted for pickleball as well.
“On behalf of City Council, I am happy to announce the new and long-awaited pickleball courts for Isle of Palms,” said Rusty Streetman, City Council member and Chair of the Public Services and Facilities Committee. “These two courts are totally dedicated to pickleball, but the tennis court can still be utilized for pickleball as needed, to meet the needs of our growing community.”
All courts at the Recreation Center are open on a first come, first served basis and are closed during private and group lessons. Pickleball lessons are available for individuals or groups at beginner and intermediate levels. The Recreation Center also has a Pickleball Social League, with the next session starting in the fall of 2023.
“The adult and youth tennis program were already very popular here,” said Recreation Department Director Karrie Ferrell. “Pickleball is another great fitness option and perfect for families to enjoy. It’s also a great way to meet other players, whether residents or visitors on the island. We hope our guests enjoy the new, vibrant courts beneath the historical oak trees.”
The addition of pickleball courts and rehabilitation of the basketball courts are an example of how the city of Isle of Palms is investing in enhancing recreational opportunities for the community to improve the overall experience of everyone who lives on or visits the island.
“We needed to expand our offerings for this fast-growing sport while still providing room for our tennis and basketball lovers,” IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds said.
“Our Rec Center continues to be a great gathering spot for all. We aim to enhance everyone’s experience. There are a couple of other projects for our Rec Center on the drawing board, hopefully coming soon.”
Those interested in signing up for pickleball classes and other Recreation Center programs should visit iop.net or call 843-886-8294.
