Volleyball @ Elks Lodge #9

This is definitely one of the better sand volleyball venues to play in St. Louis, yet it seems a little under the radar. The pair of lighted courts are behind the Elks’ Lodge in a quiet, low-​density part of Creve Coeur. From the Ladue exit at I-​270, it’s a five-​minute (if even that…) drive.
When set up for leagues and tournaments hosted by Missouri Sand Volleyball, there’s music (via the radio and a speaker system), a trailer that sells drinks (including alcohol), plenty of picnic table seating and, perhaps most importantly, a LOT of sand. Deep, soft and white, the courts here are extremely fun to dive on, though a little challenging to move around in! Like W. ave Taco and others that use «Florida beach», expect to come away with a thin film of fine particles, lightly adhered to your soles, shins and shoulders via the inevitable mix of sweat and St. Louis humidity.
Tuesday night play here is fun and throughout the week, different levels and combinations attract a range of players. The quality of rec play is solid and appropriate; the refs are attentive but there’s not usually much to call with the majority of players being clearly familiar with the game.
Overall, Elks doesn’t have any major faults. Parking is abundant, the league fees are reasonable, the courts are sufficiently sized to allow for some scrambling, there’s a hose/​outdoor shower for rinsing off after matches, and the nets are new (or just really well maintained). The biggest complaints? The bathrooms are a short walk from the courts and, in cases where the ball gets away from the court closer to the trees, retrieving it can be a pain on your feet
Notes:
1) Scheduled league nights aside, the venue can be rented out for private groups with negotiated access to the complex’s pool and small grilling pavilion. To my knowledge, no open play’s allowed.
2) It can be easy to pass by the Lodge’s large front lawn and driveway, especially at night. Headed westbound on Ladue from 270, look for the sign of the Traditional Congregation (Jewish) as a landmark. It, like the Lodge, is on the north/​right-​hand side of the road.