Pickleball organizers say tournament drew 239 players, urge Glynn County to add temporary courts on St. Simons Island

Peter Hill, speaking for the St. Simons Island Pickleball Organization, urged Glynn County commissioners on May 21 to add short-term pickleball capacity at Kings Park after reporting the April tournament drew 239 participants.

Hill said the tournament exceeded the 2025 field of 205 and included 39 players from Glynn County, 143 from elsewhere in Georgia and 57 from out of state. He cited an estimate from the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau that the event generated about $125,000 in business activity for Glynn County.

"This year's tournament shattered the record of 205 players who participated in 2025, reaching 239 participants this year," Hill said. He proposed striping two additional temporary courts on the multiuse courts next to the dedicated pickleball courts and using portable nets so tennis play could continue. Hill said SSI Pickleball would be willing to provide financial support for the change.

Hill told commissioners that Kings Park’s current maximum tournament capacity is 239 players and that further expansion would require additional courts or another day of play. He framed the request as an interim, low-cost measure while the county’s parks and recreation master plan and comprehensive plan proceed.

The board did not take action on the request at the meeting; Hill’s comment was filed as public comment for commissioners to consider as staff and plans move forward.