America’s fastest sport is growing in the Grand Strand. Here’s where you can play
Grand Strand residents are picking up on what’s known as America’s fastest growing sport, pickleball.
A mix of badmitton, tennis and ping-pong, pickleball was created by three dads in Bainbridge, WA in 1965, according to the city of North Myrtle Beach. Pickleball was called “America’s fastest growing sport” by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association in February.
The city of North Myrtle Beach has picked up on the sport’s popularity, and will build eight new outdoor pickleball courts at the J Bryan Floyd community center in the future. According to John Bullard, director of Parks and Recreation at North Myrtle Beach, the Pickleball Association has raised more than $50,000 in an effort to help the city build the courts.
More than 100 people play pickleball each day at the center, according to Bullard.
“It’s awesome seeing people come in not knowing anyone and then leaving as friends,” Bullard said.
Some North Myrtle Beach players are anxiously awaiting the new courts. Lynn Palmer, who plays often at Central Park, said that the city needs to build them soon.
“The courts are gonna be used when they build them,” Palmer, who’s played the sport for about four years, said.
Tina Hayes, another North Myrtle Beach player at Central Park, agreed. Hayes said that the sport is so popular due to low difficulty.
“One reason I think everybody plays is that you can play with your grandkids, kids, your friends, your neighbors, a lot of people are doing a course right in their backyard,” Hayes said.
Where can you play pickleball in the Grand Strand?
While the new courts are a long way away from being finished, there are lots of places you can play pickleball in the Grand Strand. Here’s a list.
Midway Park in Myrtle Beach, located at 19 Tea Rose St. Entry is free, but you have to bring your own equipment.
Central Park with four outdoor pickleball courts, is located at 1400 Outrigger Rd in North Myrtle Beach. Bring your own equipment.
J. Bryan Floyd Recreation Center in North Myrtle Beach, located at 1030 Possom Trot Rd. The indoor pickleball program costs $2 per day per person.
South Strand Recreation Center, located at 9650 Scipio Ln in Myrtle Beach. The recreation center has four indoor pickleball courts that cost $2 for residents of Horry County and $4 for non-residents.
