Pickleball mania has been sweeping the nation these past few years and the areas east of the Cooper have been swept up in the burgeoning craze. An estimated 36.5 million Americans played pickleball last year according to the 2023 APP Pickleball Participation Report. One of the fastest growing sports in the country, this hybrid paddle game combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.
While pickleball has a professional player circuit with national tournaments and prize money, most people enjoy it as a recreational and social activity. It’s easy to learn the rules and fun to play and involves less running and is more forgiving on the joints than tennis, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Although it’s a low-impact exercise, pickleball provides health benefits such as improved hand-eye coordination, balance and cardiovascular health. You’re moving around on a smaller court, sure, but you’re still active and getting your blood pumping. And research shows that exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress.
You don’t have to invest in a lot of equipment either. All you need is a paddle, a plastic ball and a badminton-size court to start a match. Like tennis, it can be played in a singles or doubles format. Games are played to 11 points, and you must win by two. If you’re new to pickleball and ready to discover what the hype is all about and give this popular sport a try, or just a regular looking for courts near you, there are plenty of places to play east of the Cooper, whether you live in Mount Pleasant or on one of the islands.
Below is a guide listing places where you can find outdoor and indoor pickleball courts in the area. And if you want to play pickleball while supporting a great cause, Mount Pleasant nonprofit East Cooper Community Outreach will be hosting its annual charity pickleball tournament, the Big Dill, from June 14-16 at Collins Park in North Charleston. The event includes a senior tournament with mixed, men’s and women’s doubles.
Miriam Brown Community Center
118 Royall Ave. 29464
Number of courts: 4 (nets available in G.M. Darby Building)
Free drop-in play (first come, first serve)
843-856-2166
Park West Tennis Courts
1251 Park West Blvd. 29466
Number of courts: 4 (nets available in Program Building, bring paddles, balls)
Free drop-in play (first come, first serve)
Mount Pleasant Senior Center
840 Von Kolnitz Rd. 29464
Number of courts: 1 (nets, balls and paddles provided)
Drop-in play for anyone 50 and older, free for Senior Center members, guest fees for non-members
843-856-2166
Park West Gym
1251 Park West Blvd. 29466
Number of courts: 6 (nets provided to set up, bring balls and paddles)
Free drop-in play
843-856-6076
Town Hall Gym
100 Ann Edwards Ln. 29464
Number of courts: 4 (nets provided to set up, bring balls and paddles)
Free drop-in play
Crush Yard
3365 S Morgans Point Rd
Number of courts: 8
Memberships, court rentals, leagues
843-284-8160
Isle of Palms Recreation Center
Number of courts: 4 (2 designated pickleball courts, 2 shared use with tennis, nets provided)
Hartnett Boulevard and 28th Avenue
843-886-8294
Wild Dunes Resort Tennis Center
Number of courts: 4
General pickleball clinics open to public, fee-based membership for open play
5757 Palm Blvd. 29451
Pro shop: 843-886-2113
DANIEL ISLAND
LTP-Daniel Island Tennis Center
161 Seven Farms Drive 29492
Number of courts: 8 (4 designated pickleball courts, 4 dual-use courts, fee-based clinics)
Pro shop: 843-849-5300
Daniel Island Recreation Center
160 Fairbanks Dr. 29492
Number of courts: 2 (indoor, nets provided, fee required)
Available Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-noon
843-216-6366
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
Stith Park
2058 Middle St. 29482
Number of courts: 2 (shared with tennis courts, must bring own nets, balls, paddles)
PARD (Fort Moultrie) tennis courts
2105 Middle St. 29482
Number of courts: 2 (shared with tennis courts, must bring own nets, balls, paddles)
By Colin McCandless
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