The development of a substantial pickleball and beer garden combo has been planned for the area near Columbia’s zoo, one of South Carolina’s key attractions.
The 4.75-acre parcel at 680 Candi Lane in Columbia has been acquired by Pickleball Land Holdings LLC and brokered by Ryan McCue of Colliers, South Carolina.
A Major Transformation
This land is scheduled for a major transformation into PickleGarden on the River, combining a biergarten and pickleball courts, enhancing the sites the area has to offer even further.
This venture, just north of Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens and close to the Saluda Riverwalk, plans to introduce a collection of pickleball courts and a large space for food and beverages.
The development aims to feature 12 well-sized pickleball courts, 10,000 square feet of turf, and a biergarten space. Additionally, it will encompass 2,240 square feet of mixed-use area intended for a members’ lounge or event space, along with a 3,600-square-foot climate-controlled indoor/outdoor area providing scenic views of the venue and access to the Riverwalk on the Lower Saluda River.
The courts will be top-of-the-line acrylic courts with LED lights and a spacious playing surface. Six of the 12 courts will be covered.


“Creating Lasting Memories”
Co-founder Abbott Bray said in a release, “PickleGarden isn’t just about the play; it’s about savoring delicious eats, soaking up the outdoors, and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
“We’re bringing joy, inspiring health, and promoting the outdoors — one pickleball rally, one craft beer sip, one river walk up the Saluda River at a time.”
Ryan McCue from Colliers emphasized that this project would mark “one of the only commercially developed, private tracts” along this part of the river.
However, an opening date for PickleGarden on the River was not specified in the recent announcement.
“A Lot Of Excitement”
McCue, a senior brokerage assistant at Collier’s, added, “This property has generated a lot of excitement. Positioned along the Saluda River above Millrace Rapids, it will be one of the only commercially developed, private tracts utilizing one of the three under-utilized Columbia rivers.”
“The Riverwalk runs along the water’s edge and will eventually allow for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate from the Lake Murray Dam on the Saluda River all the way to the former SCE&G/Dominion Energy campus in Cayce along the Congaree River.
“PickleGarden on the River is adjacent to a new City of Columbia park and a future footbridge connecting to the other side of the river.”


New Pickleball Investment
Meanwhile, the investment in pickleball continues in the area. Various recreational entities have added pickleball options to their portfolio in recent times.
Among these investments, the upcoming 24-Hour Pickleball facility, “the largest indoor pickleball facility in South Carolina,” between Lexington and West Columbia, stands out. It opened in March and is a membership-only club offering continuous play.
The YMCA offers open play sessions and skills clinics. The “Y” offers two locations in Columbia – The Jeep Rogers Family YMCA (Lake Carolina) and Northwest Family YMCA (Irmo).
It is open seven days a week and free to members; guests must pay $5.