The time has finally arrived. PKL Park is now open next to Unity Park. Here's your ultimate guide to this new experience, which we think is a slam dunk dink.

Growing the sport of pickleball

The heart of PKL Park is, of course, the eight professional-grade pickleball courts. There is an on-site shop for all your pickleball-playing needs, and pros available to help you improve your game.

Reserving a court costs $15 per hour in off-peak times + $30 per hour in peak times with a two hour max. Plus, you can explore memberships with perks like access to early reservations and discounts on hourly rates.

Bringing new food + beverage experiences

PKL Park will feature three micro-restaurants:

The Kitchen at Mark V Studio | In addition to pickle specialties like fried pickles and a pickled vegetable medley, you'll find sharable finger foods, loaded spuds, cheesesteaks, smashburgers, sandwiches, salads, bowls, and wings.
Toastified | When you hit the courts in the morning, grab breakfast, brunch, lunch, and lighter fare at this concept while you sip on a local roast from Bridge City Coffee.
Coop’s Crazy Chicken | Founded by David Wolfgram — an experienced restaurateur opening his first Greenville concept in honor of his late son Cooper — this restaurant will serve "over-the-top" chicken sandwiches.

Plus, the cocktail menu boasts themed dinks drinks like the Pickle Me Sour with Jack Daniels and pickle juice (garnished with a pickle), a Dink-a-rita on tap, a take on the Honey Deuce (sound familiar, US Open fans?), and the Sideline Spritz.

Our top picks: the Rally Up Mary (with a chicken wing) + the smores espresso martini. | Photo by GVLtoday

Creating space for family fun

In the space between the buildings and the pickleball courts, you'll find a 10,000-sqft green space perfect for running around + playing. A large stage will host live music and other events, and a 20-ft outdoor screen will make PKL Park a popular spot for catching a game. You can also reserve private cabanas around the park and rent out event space.

There's more fun where this came from. PKL Park says it plans to open two or three more concepts across the Upstate soon. We hear one will even feature indoor courts. Stay tuned.

If pickleball isn't your thing, cozy up by the fire to enjoy live music or big-screen entertainment. | Photo by GVLtoday

Honoring the history

When you walk into the former Mark V Studios, it won't feel like one of the food concepts of PKL Park — it will feel like a museum. Hop in the sound booth to listen to music recorded at the studio and learn about the history of the property as you explore the installation in partnership with Greenville Music Preservation.

Integrating with Unity Park

A wrap-around porch will overlook the neighboring Mayberry Field (currently under construction) at Unity Park. That's great news for Little League parents who will be able to grab a drink and some food while watching their kids play. With a view of the Honor Tower (also forthcoming) and green spaces + playgrounds, PKL Park will offer a new view of the park you know and love.

Celebrating local art

Along the wraparound porch, you'll see three murals from local artists filled with Easter Eggs:

Lacey Hennessey painted a mural honoring the history of the Southernside neighborhood.
Timothy Cunningham painted a mural celebrating the Black Spinners, Greenville's Negro League Team.
Matteo Miles painted a mural filled with history about Mark V studios.