North Myrtle Beach Pickleball Courts: North Myrtle Beach will spend $17.7 million in 2026 to expand its Park and Sports Complex and build new pickleball courts at Central Park. City leaders expect the upgrades to boost sports tourism and bring more visitors to local hotels, restaurants, and shops without raising property taxes.
Major Investment in Sports Tourism
The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex is a big part of the city’s economy. In 2023, it brought an estimated $27.4 million in economic impact. “It’s a big part of our industry now,” said Mayor Marilyn Hatley.
City leaders say the complex attracts families from places like North Carolina and West Virginia, who stay in hotels and dine locally. “They’re not just here for the beach, they’re here for sports tournaments,” said interim city manager Ryan Fabbri.
“All those families that come here from North Carolina, West Virginia, wherever they are, to bring their families and kids to these sports events. They’re staying in hotels, they’re buying dinner at night.” – (Fabbri)
Funding and Budget Details
The city is proposing a $221.3 million budget for 2026, with no property tax increase. To fund the expansion, North Myrtle Beach will use $4.7 million from hospitality fees and $3 million from the general fund.
The city took out $27 million in debt during 2025 and plans to pay $3.6 million toward it over the next five years. For 2026, $1.1 million will cover interest, and $2.5 million will pay down the principal. An additional $870,300 is budgeted for new heavy equipment for the park expansion.
Pickleball Courts and Christmas Lights
The city is investing $6.4 million in new pickleball courts at Central Park in 2026. The cost is higher than the original $5.6 million estimate. Parks and Recreation Director Matt Gibbons said, “We could have just went out and put down pickleball courts on old tennis courts, but we wanted to make a top class facility like the rest of our facilities.”
The city also expects to make $925,500 from concessions and $822,000 from the park’s Christmas lights show. An extra $300,000 will be spent to improve the show in 2026, with $50,000 more planned over the next few years.
Economic Impact and Future Growth
City leaders believe the expanded sports complex and new pickleball courts will boost local businesses and tourism for years to come. Mayor Hatley said the new pickleball courts will be a big win for residents and visitors. The city council must approve the 2026 budget in two separate meetings before the plan moves forward.
News in Brief: North Myrtle Beach Pickleball Courts
North Myrtle Beach will invest $17.7 million in 2026 to expand its Park and Sports Complex and build new pickleball courts at Central Park. City leaders expect major gains in sports tourism and local business income. The city council must approve the $221.3 million budget with no property tax increase.
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