(SYLVA, N.C.) — Balsam Mountain Preserve, a premier resort-style private residential community nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains between the charming mountain towns of Sylva and Waynesville, announced today the completion of a new outdoor pickleball facility featuring three regulation courts adjacent to its state-of-the-art Ruby Valley Fitness & Wellness Pavilion and outdoor tennis complex.
Designed and constructed by The Whalen Group, the courts utilize regulation blue and green playing surfaces finished with premium SportMaster acrylic. Additionally, the facility includes a thoughtfully designed seating and viewing area that supports light food and beverage service during community events.
“The addition of this premium pickleball facility perfectly aligns with our vision of offering dynamic, world-class outdoor recreation in an authentic mountain setting,” says Gayle Starke, general manager of Balsam Mountain Preserve. “Pickleball is inherently social and multi-generational, making it a natural fit for the strong sense of community we cultivate here. Playing this fast-growing sport amid the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, at a refreshing 3,500 feet of elevation with delightfully cool summer temperatures, delivers an unmatched, invigorating experience for our members and club guests.”
To complement the new courts, Balsam Mountain Preserve is expanding its wellness programming with a dedicated racquet sports initiative led by Director of Fitness Gavin Baldwin. He will partner with Katie Nowicki, the current pickleball professional at Champion Hills in Hendersonville, N.C., who will visit regularly to offer expert clinics and private lessons.
“Balsam Mountain Preserve is deeply committed to fostering holistic health and an active lifestyle for its members,” says Baldwin. “The new pickleball facility allows us to expand our wellness offerings in exciting directions. Our racquet sports fitness programs are specifically designed to improve agility, cardiovascular endurance and on-court performance, helping members fully embrace this dynamic sport while thriving in our unique high-elevation environment.”
The pickleball facility will officially open on June 13, highlighted by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a meet-and-greet with Nowicki, a complimentary clinic and open play. To ensure players of all skill levels can participate, the club will provide complimentary paddles for general use. For more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve, please visit www.balsammountainpreserve.com.
ABOUT BALSAM MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
Nestled between the charming mountain towns of Sylva and Waynesville, Balsam Mountain Preserve is one of America’s most unique and sought-after mountain communities. The 4,400-acre enclave located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains opened in 2004 anchored by a thrilling Arnold Palmer Signature Course that has been heralded as America’s best mountain course.
Balsam Mountain Preserve offers luxury living in an authentic mountain environment. Its diverse mix of real estate includes luxury estates, homesteads and village homes, as well as rustic-elegant cabin and cottage fractionals. Of the 4,400 acres, 3,200 acres are safeguarded in a permanent land trust to protect the natural mountain habitat and provide an expansive natural playground for residents and their families. Plans call for 354 homes to be created within the community, which rises to 5,400 feet and offers stunning mountain views. All residences adhere to the International Dark Sky Association guidelines for outdoor lighting, which foster privacy and stargazing.
More than 40 miles of private hiking and equestrian trails provide symmetry between work, play, indulgence, health and wellness. The property’s elevation averages 3,500 feet above sea level, which promotes outdoor recreation in a cooler environment. In addition to the golf course, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers extensive equestrian facilities. Other community highlights include a noteworthy culinary program featuring the Boarding House Marketplace, Summit House restaurant and Mine Tavern, private campsites, a Nature Center, more than 40 miles of heritage trout streams that offer some of the best fly fishing in North America, historical gathering sites, the Ruby Valley Fitness & Wellness Pavilion, pickleball, tennis and pool facilities, spa services, and much more.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Zach Sepanik
616.307.8067
Manager, Buffalo Groupe
Robert Rodriguez
210.441.0952
Director, Buffalo Groupe
