News Summary
Myrtle Beach is gearing up for an impressive pickleball complex near the International Airport, thanks to a recent city council approval. This project, spearheaded by PicklePort Myrtle Beach, promises 12 indoor and 6 outdoor courts, with amenities to enhance the experience for enthusiasts. A 20-year agreement is on the horizon, emphasizing the city’s commitment to this growing sport. As pickleball surges in popularity, the new facility is poised to become a central hub for both locals and visitors. The future of pickleball in Myrtle Beach looks promising, with community excitement on the rise.
Exciting Developments for Myrtle Beach Pickleball Enthusiasts
Myrtle Beach is buzzing with news that is sure to get pickleball lovers excited! The city council recently gave a thumbs-up to an extension for a pickleball complex project that’s set to be located conveniently near the Myrtle Beach International Airport. If you’re asking yourself what pickleball is, you’re not alone! This sport is rapidly gaining popularity and has become a favorite pastime for many in the area.
PicklePort Myrtle Beach Takes the Lead
The company behind this initiative, PicklePort Myrtle Beach, has been in talks with city officials for several months, and it seems the vision is becoming clearer by the day. The proposed site for the complex will sit along Harrelson Boulevard, right next to the city-owned Whispering Pines Golf Course. It’s an area that once thrived as a part of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, which closed down in 1993. Since then, the land has been transformed and utilized through the Land to Parks program for the community’s benefit.
A Last Hurdle to Clear
As it stands, the only official green light left to receive is from the National Park Service, according to Assistant City Manager Brian Tucker. So, it seems we are almost there! In January 2025, the city authorized a letter of intent with PicklePort for an evaluation period of 180 days, which was intended to wrap up by July 14, 2025. But here’s the kicker: PicklePort requested a 60-day extension, and the City Council granted that request on July 8, 2025. Everyone’s hoping this extra time means we will soon see some exciting construction on the horizon!
What’s in Store for the New Complex?
So what can we expect from this upcoming pickleball complex? Well, get ready to be wowed! Plans include a whopping 12 climate-controlled indoor courts and 6 covered outdoor courts, making it a premier destination for pickleball fans both old and new. Additional features will include a cozy reception area, a snack bar for quick bites, and a pro shop for all your pickleball gear needs!
Commitment to the Long-Term
If everything goes according to plan, the city will enter into a 20-year agreement with PicklePort. The financial proposal for this partnership is also looking solid. Initially, PicklePort would pay $17,500 annually for the first couple of years, and then that amount would rise to $35,000 for the subsequent three years, before adjusting based on the Consumer Price Index. Plus, the company will take on all the responsibilities for repairs, maintenance, utilities, taxes, and the like. Sounds like a win-win situation!
The Pickleball Boom
For those wondering why pickleball is getting so much attention these days, consider this: membership for USA Pickleball hit over 53,000 at the end of 2021, which is a jaw-dropping increase of 43% from the previous year. Last year alone, nearly 50 million American adults tried their hands at pickleball at least once! With such a sharp increase in interest, having more courts is more of a necessity than a luxury.
Community Growth and Enthusiasm
The city is not the only player in this pickleball game. Just to the north in North Myrtle Beach, more than 15 pickleball courts are being added to meet the surging demand. Local sporting goods stores can’t keep up with the rush for pickleball equipment, as sales continue to soar as the sport becomes more mainstream.
Final Thoughts
The Myrtle Beach pickleball complex promises to be a thrilling addition for both visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, it looks like Myrtle Beach is aiming to become the new pickleball capital of the coast. Stay tuned as this project develops; the future of pickleball here looks ever so bright!
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Pickleball Complex Federal Approval
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- WMBF News: Proposed Indoor Pickleball Facility Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Pickleball Facility Myrtle Beach
- Horry News: Pickleball Flourishes in Myrtle Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
- WPDE: Places to Play Pickleball in Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Pickleball Myrtle Beach
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.
