A New Era of Recreation and Connection Takes Shape in the Carolina Mountains.
The Sports Pavilion
Life here has always leaned toward active and interconnected. Members hike before breakfast, and neighbors trade tennis rackets and fly rods. Families gather for impromptu picnics. There’s a rhythm here set by the seasons and a setting that invites people to live fully.
The Sports Pavilion at Mountain Park marks a new chapter in the community’s evolution. Designed by celebrated architect Keith Summerour, the Sports Pavilion is more than just a recreation center. It is an extension of the land itself—organic in feel, elevated in experience, and in tune with how members at The Cliffs already live.
“This new Sports Pavilion is all about versatility,” says Jack Weber, Director of Development at The Cliffs. “We wanted to create a space that encourages daily activity and togetherness. It’s family-friendly, flexible, and filled with opportunities to connect.”
A Full Spectrum of Amenities
At the heart of the Sports Pavilion is a 7,000-square-foot resort-style pool, offering ample space for swimming, lounging, and enjoying the mountain air. Private cabanas provide shade to relax in comfort, just adjacent to a splash pad and playground for younger kids. It’s a setting designed for families to spend the day cooling off in the water, playing in the sun, or gathering poolside for lunch.
The Sports Pavilion also boasts two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and two padel courts. One of the fastest-growing sports in the world, padel blends elements of tennis and squash and is played primarily in doubles, a fast-paced game that is as fun for beginners as it is for seasoned players.
In addition to its recreational features, the Sports Pavilion is also a natural gathering place. A covered outdoor dining area offers full food and beverage service, perfect for casual family meals, celebratory toasts, or leisurely afternoons with neighbors. An outdoor amphitheater provides a venue for events and live music—a place to sit back, connect, and enjoy community life.
Additional amenities include a dog park and spacious locker rooms. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick swim, spending the afternoon courtside, or meeting friends for lunch, the Sports Pavilion is built to support the rhythm of everyday life.
A Global Sport on the Rise
Padel may be new to The Cliffs, but it’s anything but new to the world. Born in Mexico in the late 1960s, the sport blends the pacing of tennis with the precision of squash. It has grown into one of the fastest-expanding sports across Europe and the Americas. Played almost exclusively as doubles, padel is intuitive and strategic. At Mountain Park, two custom-built courts made their debut as part of the new Sports Pavilion, inviting members of all ages and skill levels to discover the thrill of a game that’s social, accessible, and highly addictive.
Courts & Gear
Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts—just ten meters wide and twenty meters long—and enclosed by glass walls and metal mesh. The net divides the court, and walls come into play during rallies, adding an extra layer of strategy. Players use solid, perforated rackets—lighter and more compact than traditional tennis rackets—and the balls, while similar in appearance to tennis balls, are slightly depressurized to create a softer bounce and longer rallies.
Scoring the Game
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis: love, 15, 30, 40, and game. But there’s a twist. At deuce, there’s no back-and-forth advantage; instead, the next point wins. It’s called the “golden point”—a sudden-death thrill that keeps every game fast-moving and fiercely competitive.
Tactics & Teamwork
As a doubles game, padel hinges on communication and shared court coverage. Smart positioning is key: Hover near the service line at the back or just ahead of the second post at the net, but avoid getting caught in the dreaded “no man’s land” in between. Use angles, drop shots, and tempo changes to throw off your opponents, and keep up a steady stream of communication with your partner to move in sync.
Evolving Luxury
The Sports Pavilion isn’t just about recreation; it’s about reimagining luxury. In a recent interview, Keith Summerour reflects on how the definition of luxury has changed in recent years: “Americans have matured. Now, we focus on hospitality as health.”
That philosophy rings true throughout the Sports Pavilion. This is luxury not as extravagance, but as a commitment to wellness and connection. From the layout of the amphitheater to the thoughtful placement of seating and shade, every detail has been considered through the lens of how it will feel to live here.
The Sports Pavilion opened its doors in summer 2025, marking the beginning of a new era of recreation, connection, and luxury living.
This story was featured in Cliffs Living magazine. To see more stories like this one and learn more about The Cliffs, subscribe here.
