There’s a hidden gem on the Isle of Palms - hidden in plain sight. Although it’s located right in the middle of the island, it’s easy to overlook. It’s the Isle of Palms Rec Center, and it’s just waiting to be discovered.
Local island residents know it better than others, since it’s a genuine hub of neighborhood island activity. But the truth is, it’s open to anyone, residents and visitors alike. The Rec Center is located at #24 28th Avenue, about equidistant between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Recreation Options
True to its name, the Rec Center boasts a whole host of recreational opportunities, absolutely free of charge. There’s plenty of wide open greenspaces, including a large soccer field, as well as Clarkin Field available for baseball, softball and kickball. There are basketball and tennis courts that are first come, first served, along with a Frisbee golf course.
The kids in your group will love the outdoor playground. There are plenty of fun play features to explore, climb on and slide down, along with a soft surface underneath to make any tumbles less stressful. Nearby, parents can hang underneath the covered pavilions which have plenty of picnic tables.
Indoors, there’s a large gymnasium with basketball nets, as well as a fitness center, changing rooms and showers. They even have a library that runs on the honor system.
And last but not least, your four-legged friends can run and play in the spacious fenced in off-leash dog park. There are separate sections for both small and large dogs. You are asked to pick up after your pet (baggies provided), and have a current rabies tag and vaccines for your dog.
Programs & Classes
The Isle of Palms Rec Center has a whole gamut of classes and activities that happen all year long. The best way to stay on top of it is to check their page on the official Isle of Palms website. Charges do apply and vary by activity.
Some of the many options include Camps & Clinics like Camp Summershine (ages 5 through 12), Wee Camp (ages 3 to 4), Spring Break and Summer Soccer Camps, Rising Stars Basketball Camp for different age groups, Volleyball Camp, Tennis Camp, and Acting Camp.
Youth and Childrens’ Activities include Acting, Gymnastics, Cheernastics, Little Lotus Yoga, Tennis, Tae Kwon Do, IOP Kids and Mini Minnows.
They also offer Senior Programs like Keenagers (social group), Mah Jongg, Gather & Knit, Over 50 Fitness, Over 50 Yoga, Over 50 Pilates, Exercise: Chair & Resistance Work, Line Dancing, Tai Chi/Qigong, Woodworking, and the wildly popular new phenom, Pickle Ball.
Adult Programs include Tae Kwon Do, Barre & More, Core Strength & Body Works, Suspension Training, Yoga, Cardio & Core, Full Body Sculpt, FitBody in 50 (minutes), Dog Obedience (Kinderpuppy), Tennis and Pickle Ball.
Special Events & Holiday Activities
The IOP Rec Center staff are creative folks all about the fun, and they put on special events all throughout the year.
Here’s a list of what they sponsor, in chronological order during the year: Doggie Day at the Rec (February), Front Beach Fest/Drive in Movie (March), Easter Egg Hunt (April), IOP Annual Yard Sale (April), Music in the Park (May), Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition (June), IOP Beach Run (July), Half Rubber Tournament (August), Community Wellness Fair (September), IOP Connector Run, Ghostly Tide Tales and Halloween Costume Golf Cart Parade (all in October), Community Environmental Program (November), and the Holiday Street Festival/Santa’s Lane (December).
So check out some of the fun available all year long, thanks to the fine folks at the IOP Rec Department. It’s a great way to relax, get some exercise and meet some islanders while you’re at it.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger