Beaufort County Invests in Pickleball: Beaufort’s Southside Park will soon welcome four new public pickleball courts, set to open in early December, according to Beaufort County spokesperson Hannah Nichols. The project is part of a $635,000 upgrade funded through the county’s $154.2 million fiscal year 2025 budget. In addition to the courts, the improvements include a full-length basketball court, and expanding recreational options for the area.
The 44-by-20-foot courts will join two existing ones at Southside Park, raising the total to six. This makes the park the second-largest pickleball facility north of the Broad River, trailing only the Burton Wells Recreation Center.
Pickleball’s Growing Presence in Beaufort County
Pickleball’s popularity continues to surge locally and nationwide. Beaufort County has constructed 18 public courts since 2021, with 16 located in the Beaufort and Port Royal area. The demand stems from the sport’s accessibility and simplicity.
- New courts added:
- 2021: Two courts at Southside Park (converted from tennis courts).
- 2023: Eight courts at Burton Wells Recreation Center.
- 2023: Four more nearing completion at Southside Park.
“Beaufort County boasts thousands of active pickleball players, and the demand for courts is only expected to grow,” Nichols said.
Expanding Regional Facilities
Southside Park isn’t the only area responding to pickleball’s rise. Hilton Head has converted tennis courts into six dedicated pickleball courts at Old Schoolhouse Park and is exploring plans for a 24-court complex at Chaplin Park. Meanwhile, Bluffton will soon host The Local Pickle, an 11-court indoor facility near Tanger Outlets, set to open between December and January.
A National Phenomenon
According to USA Pickleball, the sport had 13.6 million players in 2023 and over 50,000 places to play nationwide. The organization credits the sport’s social nature, ease of play, and inclusivity for its widespread appeal.
News in Brief: Beaufort County Invests in Pickleball
Beaufort’s Southside Park will unveil four new pickleball courts in December, part of a $635,000 project. This addition increases the park’s total courts to six, making it a regional hub for the growing sport. Beaufort County has financed 18 public courts since 2021, reflecting the sport’s surging popularity. Other expansions include Hilton Head’s six new courts and Bluffton’s forthcoming 11-court indoor facility, The Local Pickle.
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