Palm Beach County is home to three dozen public pickleball facilities. Here's our guide
Looking for a place to play everybody's new favorite sport? Or maybe you would like to invest in lessons before you "get pickled" as the pros say. (For the uninitiated, that means losing a game without scoring any points.)
Pickleball is an all-ages-friendly mashup of tennis, table tennis and badminton. And whether you learned to play a few years ago or just this past week, there are plenty of opportunities to play around Palm Beach County.
It is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States on both the professional and amateur level, with more than 36 million players in 2023, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals. Many say the boom started at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. True or no, pickleball is booming.
Among the converted? Retired tennis pro and Vero Beach resident Ivan Lendl, who picked up a paddle at the urging of one of his daughters in 2022. Andre Agassi and John McEnroe faced off on the courts last year in a match carried by ESPN. Athletes have crossed over from other sports, including swimming's Michael Phelps and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees. But even celebrities far afield from athletics have been caught in the wave. Actors Emma Watson, Will Ferrell and George Clooney are in — Clooney even built a court in his backyard.
The great thing about pickleball is that you don't need celebrity deep pockets or years of physical training, which may explain its magnetism.
(Check out Palm Beach Post columnist Frank Cerabino's take on the situation — what other sport can draw teenagers and grandparents to the same court and actually allow them to be competitive with one another?)
As pickleball has exploded in popularity, local governments have struggled to keep up with the demand, and many have raced to build more public courts.
The following is a list of the public courts you can find in our county. If you spot a city or county court that we've missed or see something else amiss, please contact us at sisger@pbpost.com.
BOCA RATON
Boca Tierra Park
How many courts: 2 lighted courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
What you can expect: The courts are well lit for evening play. Uses tennis nets. Free. No reservations.
Address: 2601 NW 43rd St., Boca Raton. 561-239-6965 or myboca.us.
Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park
How many courts: 6 courts
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
What you can expect: Dedicated pickleball courts with permanent nets are available on a first-come, first-served basis during regular park hours. Free. No reservations. The facility amenities include restrooms and water.
Pro tip: South County Regional Park hosts many local and regional pickleball tournaments throughout the year.
Address: 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton. discover.pbcgov.org.
Hillsboro El Rio South Park
How many courts: 4 hard courts with permanent nets
Hours: 8 a.m.-sunset daily
What you can expect: Courts cannot be reserved. Restrooms and water available. Free.
Address: 499 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. 561-239-6965. myboca.us.
Hidden Lakes Park
How many courts: 2 lighted courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-sunset daily
What you can expect: Uses lines overlaid on a tennis court. Bring your own nets. Free. No reservations.
Address: 7230 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. 561-393-7700 or myboca.us.
Patch Reef Park
How many courts: 12 lighted courts, plus 3 courts for clinics and lessons
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Open play (no reservation required): Beginners: noon-4 p.m. Tuesday. All levels: 5-10 p.m. Wednesday; 4-9 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday
Reservations: Can be booked online or by telephone. See details below.
What you can expect: This pickleball center is serious about its rules and schedules. Courts are assigned for 90 minutes. Six balls allowed per court. Turn off cellphones. Tournaments and special events can limit court availability.
Courts are free for members (for membership fees, go to patchreefpark.org). Non-member fees: Palm Beach County resident: $6 adults, $4 juniors; non-resident: $12 adults, $8 juniors. Members can reserve courts by phone or online two days in advance after 1 p.m. Nonmembers may call or book online one day in advance after 1 p.m.
Address: 2000 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. patchreefpark.org or 561-367-7090.
Sugar Sand Park Field House
How many courts: 6 indoor courts
Hours: Open play 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on various days
What you can expect: The indoor courts have permanent lines and portable nets. The fee for open play is $2 for city of Boca Raton and Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District residents. Non-residents must pay $5.
Pro tip: May take a little time getting used to the glare of the hardwood floors and the three sets of lines for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Very popular on rainy days. Good mix of players, and courts are divided with more skilled players on one side of partition and newer, less experienced players on the other.
Address: 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. sugarsandpark.org or 561-239-6985.
DELRAY BEACH
Catherine Strong Splash Park
How many courts: 6 lighted courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
What you can expect: These are dedicated asphalt courts with permanent lines and nets. “The courts were recently resurfaced, with windscreens. Newer players up to 3.5 level find Catherine Strong Splash Park a more comfortable facility than the Delray Tennis Center due to the very high average level of play there,” reports Keith Kovach, the head pickleball professional at Delray Beach Tennis Center. (Kovach is certified via the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association or IPFPA.)
There are no fees to play. No reservations. Amenities include restrooms, lights and water.
Pro tip: Newer players who come in foursomes have exactly the same rights as everyone else. Bring your posse and you’re good to go, Kovach said.
Address: 1500 SW Sixth St., Delray Beach. 561-243-7194 or myflorida.com.
Delray Beach Community Center
How many courts: 3 indoor courts
Hours: Advanced play 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
What you can expect: A one-time fee is required to play. Amenities include restrooms, a pro shop or equipment store, locker rooms, water and lights.
Residents pay $4 per session, or $25 per month. Nonresident: $5 per session and $30 per month.
Pro tip: Stay alert to when it's your turn to play and be swift about it. As your match ends, step off the court promptly so the next eager players can get their game on.
Address: 50 NW First Ave., Delray Beach. 561-243-7250 or delraybeachfl.gov.
Delray Beach Tennis Center
How many courts: 8 lighted courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What you can expect: “Delray Beach Tennis Center boasts a very high average level of play, with a significant number of regulars who seek out competitive play. All players must pass through the pro shop to register. Monthly passes can be purchased for a significant savings over the daily fee for super-regulars,” said Keith Kovach, an IPTPA and USAPA certified instructor from Delray Beach. Free for members. City residents: $4/day or $25/month. Nonresidents: $5/day or $40/month.
Pro tip: Midday courts are less busy with more open courts between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Center operates a successful lesson program with dedicated professionals offering group and private instruction Monday through Friday mornings, and Thursday evenings, Kovach said.
Address: 201 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 561-243-7360 or delraytennis.com.
Pompey Park Community Center Gym
How many courts: 2 indoor courts
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday
What you can expect: Residents pay $4 per session, or $25 per month. Nonresident: $5 per session and $30 per month.
Address: 1101 NW Second St., Delray Beach. 561-243-7356 or delraybeachfl.gov.
BOYNTON BEACH
Boynton Beach Tennis & Pickleball Center
How many courts: 6 dedicated courts
Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday
What you can expect: The fee is $5 at the door or purchase a 24-visit punch pass for $50. Courts can be reserved. These are outdoor, dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets. Facility amenities include restrooms, locker rooms, a pro shop or equipment store, water and wheelchair accessibility.
Address: 3111 S. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-742-6575 or boynton-beach.org.
Caloosa Park
How many courts: 8 lighted courts
Hours: Sunrise to sunset but lighted court facilities stay open until 9 p.m.
What you can expect: Caloosa Park is a quiet little park just off Congress Avenue and is becoming one of the most popular places to play pickleball in the Boynton Beach area. Free. No reservations.
Pro tip: To turn on lights at dusk, push the button on the electrical box located near the pathway coming from the tennis court parking lot. Like some public facilities, there are no fences between side-by-side courts, which means rallies are sometimes interrupted by balls entering your court.
Address: 1300 SW 35th Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-736-2812 or pbcparks.com.
West Boynton Park and Recreation Center
How many courts: 3 indoor courts
Hours: Open play 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday and Friday
What you can expect: These are indoor courts in a multi-purpose gym. Play is $5 per person.
Address: 6000 Northtree Blvd., Boynton Beach/Lake Worth. 561-355-1125 or discover.pbcgov.org/parks.
GREENACRES
Greenacres Freedom Park
How many courts: 4 lighted asphalt courts
Hours: Sunrise to 10 p.m. daily
What you can expect: The four courts are dedicated courts with permanent nets and lines. Restrooms are available.
Pro tip: This park doesn’t have much shade for players or spectators. BYO sun umbrella.
Address: 2400 Pinehurst Drive, Greenacres. 561-642-2090 or greenacresfl.gov.
PALM SPRINGS
Village of Palm Springs Park
How many courts: 2 lighted courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
What you can expect: You can check out the equipment (paddles, balls and nets) at the Village Parks and Recreation Department. Free.
Address: 217 Cypress Lane, Palm Springs. villageofpalmsprings.org.
LAKE WORTH BEACH
John Prince Park
How many courts: 6 lighted courts
Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily; lighted court facilities stay open until 9 p.m.
What you can expect: There are six dedicated, outdoor asphalt courts with permanent lines and nets. Amenities include restrooms and lights. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis during regular park hours. Free.
Pro tip: Remember to respect the “one game limit when players are waiting” rule.
Address: 4759 S. Congress Ave., Lake Worth Beach. 561-966-6600 or discover.pbcgov.org.
Sunset Ridge Park
How many courts: 6 lighted courts
Hours: Sunrise-sunset daily, with lighted court facilities open until 9 p.m.
What you can expect: The park boasts six hard-surface outdoor courts with permanent court lines, though you will need to bring your own net. The courts are free and also include lights for night play.
Address:1400 14th Ave. N., Lake Worth Beach. 561-281-8906 or lakeworthbeachfl.gov.
LANTANA
Town of Lantana Recreation Center
How many courts: 2 lighted courts
Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
What you can expect: These dedicated courts feature permanent hard tennis surfaces. Restrooms and drinking water are available.
Address: 418 S Dixie Hwy, Lantana; 561-540-5754 or lantana.org.
WEST PALM BEACH
Howard Park Community Center
How many courts: The tennis and pickleball courts at Howard Park Tennis Center in West Palm Beach have been demolished and construction is underway. The configuration of courts that will be built was not immediately available.
Address: 1302 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. wpb.org or 561-804-4950.
Lake Lytal Park
How many courts: 6 lighted courts
Hours: Sunrise to sunset but lighted court facilities stay open until 9 p.m.
What you can expect: Lake Lytal Park’s six lighted pickleball courts are popular but they’re open late. Free.
Pro tip: Cool off in the 50-meter swimming pool at the aquatic center after your game. Courts are completely enclosed by fencing, limiting the interruptions from balls entering from other courts. No nearby restrooms; you'll have to walk to the aquatic center.
Address: 3645 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach. 561-966-6600 or discover.pbcgov.org.
Okeeheelee Park
How many courts: 6 courts
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, with lighted courts staying open late until 10 p.m.
What you can expect: Okeeheelee Park’s six lighted pickleball courts are available from sunrise to sunset on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Pro tip: Lots of players. Varying skill levels. Even when tennis courts are empty, there's lots of action at the pickleball courts.
Address: 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-966-6600 or discover.pbcgov.org.
Westgate Recreation Center
How many courts: 3 indoor courts
Hours: Open play is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
What you can expect: The play happens in a multi-purpose gym. The lines are permanent, and portable nets are available. Amenities include restrooms and water. Play is $5 per person.
Address: 3691 Oswego Ave., West Palm Beach. 561-694-5455 or discover.pbcgov.org.
PALM BEACH
Seaview Park
How many courts: 3 courts
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
What you can expect: The town of Palm Beach's 17,000-square-foot facility accepts indoor reservations for a fee. Payment is due at the time of reservation, at least a day in advance. Fees are $25 for residents, $32 nonresidents, plus tax.
Play is free on the outdoor mixed-used basketball court, which is reserved from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Pro tip: Cancelations must be made at least one day in advance to receive a credit or refund. Pickleball clinics and lessons are offered from teaching professional Chaz Perryman from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday for $45/person for groups of three or $90 for private lessons.
Address: 340 Seaview Ave., Palm Beach. 561-838-5485
NORTH PALM BEACH
North Palm Beach Community Center
How many courts: 3 indoor courts
Hours: Open play 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Levels 1.0-2.5 play 9-11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and levels 3.0-plus play 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
What you can expect: The daily play rate is $2 for residents, $4 for nonresidents. A yearly membership is $125 for residents, $320 for nonresidents.
Pro tip: Stay alert to when it's your turn to play and be swift about it. As your match ends, step off the court promptly so the next eager players can get their game on.
Address: 1200 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach. 561-841-3389 or village-npb.org.
Palm Beach Gardens
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex
How many courts: 10 outdoor permanent courts and six temporary courts
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What you can expect: The city offers pickleball passports at the tennis and pickleball center with unlimited access to the courts, the option to book them a week in advance, 5% off resident rates for clinics, programs, tournaments, and private lessons, with organized games with professional players four times a week and organized open play weekly.
Pickleball passports can be purchased online at pbgfl.com. The cost for residents is $300 for a year, $450 for a family of up to four members for a year and $180 for six months. The city charges non-residents $500 for a year, $750 for a family of up to four members for a year and $300 for six months.
Pro tip: Players can go for a jog at a trail near these courts at the complex. A day pass to the courts costs $12 for residents and $15 for non-residents. The city also offers pickleball instructional classes at the center.
Address: 5110 117th Court North, Palm Beach Gardens; 561-630-1100 or pbgfl.com
Lilac Park
How many courts: 24 outdoor lighted courts
Hours: Dawn to 9 p.m. daily
What you can expect: The city does not offer lessons or organized games at these courts and leagues do not meet there. However, the city may use the courts to host some events or tournaments, according to its website.
Palm Beach Gardens residents can purchase membership passes to the Lilac Park pickleball courts online for $5 for one day, $35 for six months and $50 for one year. The city charges non-residents $15 for one day, $225 for six months, and $350 for a year.
Pro tip: The courts are managed from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except on some holidays and during inclement weather. Outside of the managed hours, the courts are free for anyone who wants to play.
Address: 4125 Lilac Street, Palm Beach Garden; 561-630-1100 or pbgfl.com
Jupiter
Jupiter Community Center
How many courts: 6 mobile indoor courts
Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday
Pro tip: These courts are organized by skill level. The town asks players to rate their skill level according to USA Pickleball standards before heading to the courts.
What you can expect: The town asks those interested in the courts to reserve their spot online at jupiter.fl.us. The town sets a maximum capacity of 100 players per session.
Pro tip: Residents can play pickleball at the community center gym for free. The town charges non-residents $3 per session.
Address: 200 Military Trail, Jupiter. 561-741-2400 or jupiter.fl.us
West Jupiter Recreation Center Gymnasium
How many courts: 3 indoor courts
Hours: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday
Pro tip: Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome at these courts.
What you can expect: The county charges players $5 per session.
Address: 6401 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. 561-741-2400 or jupiter.fl.us
Carlin Park
How many courts: 6 courts
Hours: 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily
What you can expect: These courts are outdoor and free to use. The county advises that players limit their time on the courts to 30 minutes when others are waiting to play. The courts have a first-come, first-served player rotation.
Address: 400 Florida A1A, Jupiter. 561-741-2400 or jupiter.fl.us
Jupiter Community Park
How many courts: 8 courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
What you can expect: Courts opened April 19. Play is divided into prime-time open play and regular open play. During regular open play hours (noon-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), all singles and doubles play is limited to two consecutive games. During prime time open play (8 a.m.-noon and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-noon and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday), paddle stacking is used to rotate onto the court.
Address: 3377 Church Street, Jupiter. 561-741-2400 or jupiter.fl.us
Abacoa Community Park
How many courts: 5 courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Lights out 10 minutes after courts close.
What you can expect: Play is divided into prime-time open play and regular open play. During regular open play hours (noon-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), all singles and doubles play is limited to two consecutive games. During prime time open play (8 a.m.-noon and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-noon and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday), paddle stacking is used to rotate onto the court.
Address: 1501 W. Frederick Small Road, Jupiter. 561-741-2400 or jupiter.fl.us
TEQUESTA
Tequesta Park
How many courts: 6 lighted courts
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
What you can expect: These beautifully maintained courts are popular with "dinkers". Courts are free for residents. Nonresidents pay $5/day, $9/week, $18/month, $75/six months and $150/year. There are a variety of lessons and skills drills offered.
Address: 2280 County Line Road, Tequesta. tequesta.recdesk.com.
WELLINGTON
Greenview Shores Park
How many courts: Four of the eight lighted tennis courts include lines for pickleball
Hours: 6-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What you can expect: Free. No reservations.
Address: 2101 Greenview Shores Blvd., Wellington. 561-791-4000 or wellingtonfl.gov.
Village Park Athletics Complex
How many courts: 5 courts
Hours: Open play 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday
What you can expect: There are five indoor courts on a multipurpose gym floor. Free for residents, $5 nonresidents. No reservations.
Address: 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington. 561-791-4005 or fl-wellington.civicplus.com.
ROYAL PALM BEACH
Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center and Preservation Park
How many courts: 4 outdoor lighted courts and 3 indoor courts
Hours: At the Recreation Center: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. At Preservation Park: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
What you can expect: The outdoor courts are asphalt with permanent lines. Fees are $5 a day or $25 a year. It's closed during school summer vacation (summer camp). Players have access to locker rooms, restrooms and water. No reservations.
Address: 100 Sweet Bay Lane, Royal Palm Beach. 561-790-5124 or royalpalmbeachfl.gov.
THE GLADES
The Glades RV Resort
How many courts: 6 outdoor acrylic courts
Hours: Call about availability
What you can expect: These are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets. Amenities include restrooms. Courts are available to RVers. A one-time fee is required to play.
Address: 1679 Indian Hills Drive, Moore Haven. 863-902-7034 or thegladesresort.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Find a public pickleball park near you in Palm Beach County
