Where to Play Pickleball in the DC Area

You're a pickleball enthusiast, and DC's got the perfect spots for you.

Since 2019, DC Parks and Recreation has transformed its facilities, now offering 58 courts across 19 locations.

You're part of a growing community of over 1,500 pickleball lovers.

So, grab your paddle and join the movement. They're not stopping, and neither should you.

Let's explore where to play pickleball in DC area.

DC Pickleball Locations

You'll find a total of five key locations in the DC area where you can enjoy a game of pickleball. Mitchell Park and Rose Park, both in Ward 2, have pickleball lines but no nets. You'll find them on the blacktop near the basketball courts and by the hitting wall, respectively.

The same goes for Volta Park Recreation Center. Chevy Chase Community Center and Playground, in Ward 3, offer more options with specific designated times for play. Keep in mind, though, that DPR strictly prohibits unsanctioned play on basketball courts and personal installation of lines.

They're committed to expanding their facilities, so stay tuned for more locations. Remember, you're playing on a first-come, first-served basis.

1. Mitchell Park (Ward 2)1801 23rd Street NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Blacktop area near basketball courts

2. Rose Park (Ward 2)2609 Dumbarton Street NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Blacktop by hitting wall

3. Volta Park Recreation Center (Ward 2)1555 34th Street NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Basketball courts

4. Chevy Chase Community Center (Ward 3)5601 Connecticut Avenue NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Blacktop by hitting wall

   • Designated Times: 
     Monday- Friday 6-9 am
     Tuesdays and Thursdays  5pm - sunset 
     Saturday and Sundays   6am - noon

5. Chevy Chase Playground (Ward 3)5500 41st Street NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Blacktop/kids basketball court

6. Friendship (Ward 3)4500 Van Ness Street NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Tennis court 2

7. Hearst Park (Ward 3)Idaho and Quebec Streets NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Tennis court 1

8. 8. Newark (Ward 3)39th and Newark Street NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Tennis court 1

9. Palisades Recreation Center (Ward 3)5200 Sherier Place NW

   • Pickleball lines? YES

   • Pickleball nets? NO

   • Specific location: Tennis courts 1-3 & basketball courts

10. 10.Takoma (Ward 4)300 Van Buren Street NW

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? YES

    • Specific location: Dedicated pickleball courts

11. Arboretum Recreation Center (Ward 5)2412 Rand Place NE

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? NO

    • Specific location: Tennis court 1

12. Edgewood Recreation Center (Ward 5)301 Franklin Street NE

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? NO

    • Specific location: Tennis court 2 (only ONE PB court)

13. Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (Ward 5)1100 Michigan Avenue NE

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? 4 - YES / 12 - NO

    • Specific location: 4 dedicated pickleball courts, 12 on tennis courts

14. Jefferson (Ward 6)801 7th Street SW

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? YES

    • Specific location: Dedicated pickleball courts

15. King-Greenleaf Recreation Center (Ward 6)201 N Street SW

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? YES

    • Specific location: Dedicated pickleball courts

16. Hillcrest Recreation Center (Ward 7)3100 Denver Street SE

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? NO

    • Specific location: Tennis court 4

17. Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (Ward 8)701 Mississippi Avenue SE

    • Pickleball lines? YES

    • Pickleball nets? 

    • Specific location: Dedicated pickleball courts

Get out there and enjoy the game!

DPR Pickleball Facilities

If you're looking to dig into the pickleball scene, DC's Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has stepped up its game, boasting 58 dedicated or blended outdoor courts as of 2019. You'll find these courts peppered across the city, with each facility clearly marked for pickleball play.

DPR also hosts pickleball programs at 19 facilities, with over 1,500 participants in FY23. They've even started hosting tournaments, with one of the biggest amateur events in 2022 attracting over 275 players.

But they're not stopping there. DPR is committed to finding more locations for pickleball, so keep an eye on their website for updates.

In the meantime, grab your paddle and head out to one of the DPR courts; your pickleball adventure awaits.

DPR Pickleball Policies

While you're getting ready to hit the courts, it's important to understand the DPR's policies governing pickleball play.

Firstly, DPR clearly marks tennis courts for pickleball on a first-come, first-served basis. However, walk-up pickleball isn't allowed on basketball courts except during specific times. Also, DPR doesn't permit pickleball in spaces without dedicated lines.

Signage is provided for clarity, indicating which courts are for pickleball and guidelines on usage. It's crucial to remember that you can't create your own pickleball courts on DPR spaces without their written agreement.

Pickleball Popularity in DC Area

Why is pickleball rapidly gaining popularity in the DC area, you might ask? This trending sport is catching on for a few compelling reasons.

1. Inclusivity: Pickleball is a game for all ages and skill levels. Its rules are easy to learn, and it's less physically demanding than tennis, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

2. Social Aspect: The compact court size encourages interaction and camaraderie among players, fostering a strong community vibe.

3. Growing Infrastructure: The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has increased the number of dedicated pickleball courts, reflecting the rising demand.

DPR Pickleball Participation

You're part of a growing trend if you've been participating in the DPR pickleball programs, which currently span 19 facilities and have drawn in over 1,500 participants in FY23.

You've likely noticed the rise in courts too, with DPR adding 58 dedicated or blended outdoor courts since 2019 due to pickleball's rising popularity.

You might have taken part in one of the nation's biggest amateur pickleball competitions, organized by DPR, which attracted over 275 contenders in 2022.

Keep your eyes peeled for new locations as DPR continues to expand this fun, engaging sport.

Remember, you're not just playing a game; you're contributing to the growth and vitality of pickleball in the DC area.

Keep swinging, and enjoy the game!

Conclusion

So, grab your paddle and join the pickleball movement in the DC area. With 58 courts across 19 facilities, and more on the way, finding a spot to play is a breeze.

DPR is dedicated to fueling your love for the game and ensuring you're part of this thriving community. Remember, every swing of your paddle contributes to the growing popularity of pickleball.

So, what're you waiting for? It's time to play!