The City of Charleston is behind the curve when it comes to providing dedicated courts to the pickleball community.  In total, the city currently has 4 dedicated  courts with only 2 that have lighting. The City has resorted to adding painted lines on existing tennis courts, forcing pickleball players to go to other municipalities or stay and battle with tennis players for space and court time, instead of providing dedicated courts of our own.

There are existing parks located throughout the City. Some thriving and others run down and rarely used. Why not revitalize the parks the city has and turn them into busy flourishing locations? The community desperately needs a dedicated pickleball facility with a minimum of 16 lighted courts. 

Some facts…

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country! On average, over the last 3 years, pickleball has seen a growth of 158%. There are currently 36.5 Million players estimated in the United States alone. In comparison, tennis over the last 3 years has seen a 33% growth.

Here in the Southern Atlantic’s region, we account for 23% of that total. However, South Carolina doesn’t even fall in the top 10 states in number of courts.

Pickleball is the sport of all ages, genders, and skill levels. In 2021, the largest dynamic of players were aged 55 and above with 19% of players. However, in 2023, the largest represented age group is 18-34 at 28%. The overall average age of a pickleball player is 38yrs. 

As the sport continues to grow, so does the amount of attention on the professional and national scale. There are estimated 47 major tournaments being held all over the United States with a collective prize money total of $11 Million. pickleball is averaging a 85% retention rate which means most continuing playing after their first initial experience. 

Based on polls, there are 66 new locations being created A MONTH across the US.  Greenville, SC, a city with half the population of Charleston, has taken a front seat in approaching the growth of the sport with over 100 courts. They recently completed an $800,000 project to build new courts and refurbish tennis courts at two Parks.  In addition, their Council has also approved $1.7 million to build as many as 18 new courts at East Riverside Park in Greer. All that money is coming from a recreation fund generated by the hospitality tax. Not to mention the numerous grants available to the state and city.

Lastly, those areas who have embraced the growth of pickleball and have provided larger pickleball facilities are seeing a massive benefit economically. Take a snapshot look at the benefits from a tournament being ran in the city. Imagine per person- $150-200 per day on lodging plus restaurants and other activities, for a total of roughly $1500 per extended weekend. Let’s take that times 400 players. (Mind that tournaments participation can range from 200-1200 players) So, thanks to pickleball, a 3-4 day tournament with a 400 player attendance contributes $600k to the local business coffers. even if half those players are local, the city still benefits from a $300k economic bump. The possibilities are endless!

Given all this information, why is Charleston so behind? As a community, we need to ban together, voice our opinions, and demand that courts be installed. Enough sitting in the back seat on this topic, it’s time to be in the drivers seat. 

This year (November 2023) the Mayoral position and the odd number seats on council are up for election. Let’s take the time to take a stand and push the issue! 

We are asking for petition signatures to help push the need for a dedicated pickleball facility in the City of Charleston. Please do your part as we fight the good fight that is pickleball.