81 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com with mostly older retirees, she is seeing more young people playing pickleball now, including entering into the local tournaments. “I’ve met so many people from playing,” said Lattimore-Volkmann. “It’s so competitive and it’s so fun.” And it’s possible that designated pickleball courts could be in Sullivan’s Island’s future contingent on public input. According to Sullivan’s Island Town Administrator Andy Benke, the town has entered into an agreement with the engineering/architectural firm Thomas and Hutton to create a master plan for Stith Park. “Several charrettes will be held to engage the public for park design and components. I anticipate that pickleball courts will be a part of the discussion,” stated Benke via email. As the sport continues growing on the islands, Lattimore-Volkmann expects that people will advocate for additional courts. “I think having more and more places to play is a good idea,” she said. IOP REC CENTER ADDS DESIGNATED PICKLEBALL COURTS In response to increasing demand on Isle of Palms, the IOP Recreation Center recently added two new designated outdoor pickleball courts to its recreation center offerings, which opened to the public in early April. There are also two lined multi-purpose courts shared with tennis for which pickleball nets are provided. Prior to the designated pickleball courts, the recreation center balanced programming for both tennis and pickleball daily between their various lessons and leagues, according to IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell. “It just — exploded so fast,” said Ferrell of pickleball’s surging popularity. The center’s pickleball courts are all first-come, first-served and players must provide their own paddles and balls. They also offer pickleball lessons for beginner and intermediate levels throughout the year. The lessons are typically two weeks long and meet twice a week. Additionally, just over a year ago the recreation center started a social pickleball league to give players the opportunity to register for open play. Ferrell said she appreciates the social aspect of open play, which welcomes all skill levels to come play and meet new people. Their pickleball courts are a major draw these days, whether from residents or the steady influx of island visitors. “They’re busy,” commented Ferrell. “There’s a group out here every day.” On Daniel Island, LTP-Daniel Island offers classes, lessons and weekly round robin play on its four designated pickleball courts. There is also open play with preregistration and monthly social events. The Daniel Island Recreation Center offers two indoor multi-use courts that are lined for pickleball, with nets provided, that are available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. If you’re looking to try the sport and need equipment, Holy City Tennis in Mount Pleasant carries pickleball paddles, balls and shoes and you can order nets through them as well. CRUSH YARD OPENING MOUNT PLEASANT LOCATION In another sign of pickleball’s rising appeal east of the Cooper, Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant is building a Mount Pleasant location off Morgan Point the islands
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