Part of the Lowcountry Lifestyle
Beaufort, SC: January 22, 2021 / – The Beaufort Pickleball Club (BPC) is pleased to announce its formation as a volunteer-run, public benefit, non-profit corporation registered with the State of South Carolina on December 29, 2020. According to club by-laws, their mission is to encourage, organize and facilitate the development and growth of Pickleball to enhance the health and welfare of the general public North of the Broad River in Beaufort County, South Carolina.
According to a 2020 statement from the USA Pickleball Association, “Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors; is easy for beginners to learn – but can develop into a fast-paced competitive game for experienced players; the game has developed a passionate following due to its friendly, social nature and multigenerational appeal.”
“Due to the growth and popularity of Pickleball in Beaufort, Port Royal & our Sea Islands, we have seen the need to inform and assist the city, town and county decision makers about the growing demand and necessity to create pickleball courts that will serve the public as well as visitors and tourists to the area” said Michael Chambers, President of the newly established club. “There are so many people who do not have a place to play, unless by invitation to one of the private communities. There are no dedicated pickleball courts available to the general public” Mike added.
There are 16 stand alone, public tennis courts and 26 tennis courts on area school grounds. With a consistently growing interest in pickleball, BPC estimates there are over 400 residents North of the Broad, who actively play pickleball on a regular basis, as part of their Lowcountry lifestyle.
In the short term, BPC is hoping for city, town and county officials to authorize and support the use of under-utilized recreational facilities to create some centrally located and dedicated, public pickleball courts. BPC would be willing to host “Introduction to Pickleball” clinics on these courts for the public because they know that while many residents have heard of pickleball, many do not know what it really is nor how to play. To fulfill their mission, BPC’s vision is to establish year-round league play so that players have an opportunity to play others within their own skillset; and then eventually BPC would like to host tournament play.
Pickleball is often cited as the fastest growing sport in America. It is played on a court smaller than a tennis court, with nets and a paddle and a whiffle-like ball. Pickleball is inexpensive to play and popular with all age groups and fitness levels. It is an excellent source of physical activity and social interaction.
Visit USAPA.ORG to learn more about Pickleball.