Myrtle Beach, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach City Council has approved plans for new pickleball facilities at Whispering Pines Golf Course. Developer Dwight Hunsicker showcased ambitious designs for a 35,000-square-foot building featuring 12 indoor courts. The project aims to create a community hub for sports enthusiasts, funded by $5 million from PicklePort. Public access to the facilities will ensure everyone can enjoy pickleball, making it a valuable addition to Myrtle Beach’s recreational landscape.
Myrtle Beach City Council Gives Green Light to Exciting New Pickleball Facilities
Residents of Myrtle Beach, you’ll want to perk up your ears for this one! The city council has just made an exciting decision that’s sure to make a splash in the community. They’ve approved the first reading of an ordinance for a concession agreement with Pickleport Myrtle Beach, LLC. Yes, you guessed it right—pickleball is coming to town in a big way!
A Fresh Space for Fun
These new pickleball facilities are going to be located on six unused acres of the city-owned Whispering Pines Golf Course, which sits pretty on Harrelson Boulevard. Imagine stepping into a vibrant community hub where friends, families, and sports enthusiasts can come together to play and socialize.
What’s in Store?
Developer Dwight Hunsicker has wowed the council with his plans, showcasing stunning renderings of what’s to come. This ambitious project aims to create a sprawling 35,000-square-foot building that will house a whopping 12 indoor pickleball courts. But that’s not all! The facility will also include a welcoming reception area, a snack bar for those post-game treats, a social area where players can take a breather, a meeting room, and a pro shop for all your pickleball gear needs.
A Journey Full of Hurdles
Hunsicker also shared that developing this project has been a bit like running an “800-meter-hurdle race”, pointing to the challenges encountered along the way. However, perseverance has paid off, as the city previously approved a nonbinding letter of intent back in January, paving the way for this exciting development.
Investing in the Future
The project will receive a substantial boost from $5 million in private funding from PicklePort. As part of the financial agreement, PicklePort will pay $17,500 per year for the first two years. This number will increase to $35,000 per year through the fifth year. And starting in the sixth year, the payment will adjust for inflation over a 20-year term. Talk about a commitment to the community!
Preserving Public Recreation
It’s important to note that the land on which these facilities are being developed was conveyed to the city by the federal government after the closure of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This stipulation requires that the land be used for public recreation, ensuring that the community benefits from the space.
Developer Responsibilities
Under this agreement, the developer will take on 100% responsibility for the facility’s construction and ongoing maintenance, leaving the city to focus on its ownership of all improvements made to the property once the term comes to a close.
Access for All
What’s more, the facilities will remain open to the public, making it easy for everyone in the community—young and old—to enjoy the game at affordable entry rates. The six acres designated for the pickleball courts are currently wooded, and operations at the golf course will not be disrupted during construction.
What’s Next?
The agreement also includes options for three five-year lease extensions with mutual consent, making this a sustainable development for years to come. As the pickleball craze continues to grow across the nation, Myrtle Beach is ready to hop on board with its own impressive facilities!
All in all, this development is set to bring a fresh wave of energy and excitement to the already vibrant Myrtle Beach community. So, grab your paddles and get ready! The future of pickleball in Myrtle Beach is looking brighter than ever.
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
