What is Pickleball?
A paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. It's a game for everyone!
In consultation with the Austin Public Health Department and the public health authorities, the following amenities are currently open:
- Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Indoor pickleball courts inside recreation centers are available by reservation only due to COVID-19. Please call your local center to reserve a time slot.
Pickleball has evolved from original hand made equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada.
The Basics
- A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
- Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
- Played with a paddle and a plastic ball.
Brief History Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum -whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities are credited for creating game.
The Court
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet. In pickleball, the same court is used for both singles and doubles play.
The court is striped similar to a tennis court with right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net (referred to as the “kitchen").
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Pickleball Courts
| Site Name | Courts | Days and Times | Additional Notes |
| Dick Nichols Park 8011 Beckett Rd. |
5 outdoor | Free. 2 tennis courts (lighted) that are shared with 4 pickleball courts. Additionally, there is one volleyball court (not lighted) that will be shared with one pickleball court. Download Multi-sport net system instructions (PDF) | |
| Dittmar Recreation Center 1009 W. Dittmar Rd. (512) 974-6090 |
4 indoor |
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12pm – 3pm Saturdays: 10am – 2pm. |
Free open play pickleball for all skill levels. |
| George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center 5801 Ainez Dr. (512) 974-3840 |
3 indoor | Mondays - 9a.m. - 12p.m. Wednesdays - 6p.m. -8p.m. | Free open play pickleball for all skill levels. |
| Givens Recreation Center 3811 E 12 St. (512)974-2430 |
2 outdoor | Thuesday / Thursday 6p.m.-7p.m. | Free open play pickleball instructional program for beginners. |
| Gus Garcia Recreation Center 1201 East Rundberg Lane (512) 978-2525 |
3 indoor |
Tuesdays: 10a.m. – 12p.m. Thursdays: 10a.m. – 12p.m. Saturdays: 10a.m. – 12p.m. Sundays: 12:30 – 2:30p.m. |
Free open play pickleball for all skill levels. |
| Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st St. (512) 978-2335 |
2 outdoor | Monday-Friday, 6:15p.m. - 8:15p.m. | Free. 2 outdoor lined courts shared with basketball court, net not provided, first come, first serve |
|
Montopolis Recreation and Community Center 1200 Montopolis Dr. (512)978-2300 |
2 indoor | Monday: 6pm-9pm | Free open play pickleball for all skill levels. |
| Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Dr. (512) 974-6972 |
3 indoor | Monday / Wednesday 10:30am-1:30pm | Free open play pickleball for all skill levels. |
| Pan American Neighborhood Park 2100 E. 3rd Street (512) 978-2425 |
3 outdoor | Free. 3 lighted outdoor courts with permanent nets. Free and first come, first serve. | |
| Rosewood Neighborhood Park 2300 Rosewood Ave. (512)978-2465 |
2 outdoor | Free. 2 outdoor courts shared with tennis courts, net not provided. First come, first serve. | |
| South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Rd. (512) 978-2440 |
4 indoor and 2 outdoor |
Indoor – Mondays 6pm - 8:30pm Fridays: 12pm - 3pm Outdoor: 7am-10pm everyday |
Free. 4 indoor courts – no reservation needed, no equipment needed, all skill level. Outdoor- first come first serve. Download Flyer. |
- Austin Tennis Center, 7800 Johnny Morris Road, 8 lighted outdoor courts with permanent nets that shares use with "Quick Start" junior tennis. Call 512-928-8119 for availability and fees.
- Little Zilker Neighborhood Park, 2016 Bluebonnet Lane, 2 outdoor courts shared with tennis courts, net not provided, first come, first serve
- Mt. View Neighborhood Park, 900 Middlebie Road, 2 outdoor courts shared with tennis courts, net not provided, first come, first serve
