Where To Play Pickleball In DC
Lifestyle
Even if you have yet to pick up a paddle, chances are, you’ve already heard of pickleball — the rapidly growing sport that’s taking American courts by storm. Invented in 1965 by three fathers in Washington state, pickleball is a quirky cross between tennis, pingpong, and badminton, played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball.
So — what is it exactly that makes this game so addicting? Easier to learn than its other racket sport counterparts, pickleball has a low barrier to entry, yet still features many of the same benefits its loyal disciples are seeking — from a good workout to friendly competition and more. Wondering where you can go in DC to start playing today? We’ve got you covered with this handy guide!
Takoma Recreation Center | 300 Van Buren Street NW: Scott Parker, the USA Pickleball Association’s ambassador for DC, says this is a favorite place to play because the two outdoor courts are rarely busy.
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center | 1100 Michigan Avenue NE: Here, you’ll find four outdoor dedicated pickleball courts and 12 that share real estate with tennis — players need to bring their own nets to play on those courts. Lessons are available, too!
Palisades Recreation Center | 5200 Sherier Place NW: Beginners and intermediates alike are drawn to these indoor and outdoor courts, where you can also take part in lessons.
Looking for more fun things to do in DC? Check out these other posts from our blog!
Edgewood Recreation Center | 300 Evarts Street NE: Indoor and outdoor courts along with a rooftop garden and children’s spray park entice players near and far.
Pickleballerz | 14424 Albemarle Point Place, Chantilly: This venue features all-day availability on six indoor courts. Players must reserve a court— for club members, it’s $6 an hour, and for nonmembers, it’s $12.
Lubber Run Community Center | 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington: Four indoor courts are open at varying hours Monday through Saturday, and four outdoor courts — shared with volleyball and basketball — are free for drop-ins at anytime.
Bauer Drive Local Park | 14625 Bauer Drive, Aspen Hill: This park is a favorite among players in Rockville’s robust pickleball community. It has six outdoor pickleball courts in total, all of which are open to the public anytime.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park | 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville: These four lighted outdoor courts, the first dedicated public courts in Montgomery County, remain a popular pickleball destination. They are open (on a first-come, first-served basis) from sunup until 10 pm daily except Tuesday and Thursday evenings, when they’re dedicated for use by members of pickleball leagues.
The Jenn Smira Team Charity Pickleball Tournament | Sunday, April 7, from 12 PM – 3 PM at Kraken Kourts NE DC:
Get ready for an exciting day of pickleball for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the 1st Annual Jenn Smira Team Pickleball Charity Tournament welcomes all skill levels, so everyone can play pickleball for a great cause.
Our goal as a team is to raise $15,000 — to that end, we’ll have 14 courts and will host up to 32 teams. The minimum donation is $600 per team, but please feel free to donate more to this amazing foundation! Fans and cheerleaders can purchase a Spectator ticket for $50, too, and all tickets include lunch.
Click here to sign up. We can’t wait to see you there and get our pickle on!
