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Pickleball
Pickleball is a racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) offers a variety of options for open pickleball play as well as organized tournaments and ladder leagues.
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Looking to play Pickleball outside? We have Pickleball lined courts available in two of our parks (available for free on a first-come, first-serve basis)!
Pickleball Programs
DPR offers Pickleball tournaments, ladders, leagues, clinics, and specials events throughout the year.
Pickleball Activity Registration
Visit ActiveNet to view our current offerings and to register
Assigned Pickleball Times at Bethesda Park
DPR has designated specific days and times at Bethesda Park Tennis Courts 1 & 2 for Pickleball play. Please see the Tennis page for designated Tennis times.
Assigned times have been designated to provide opportunities for tennis and pickleball players to share these outdoor courts while our indoor facilities are closed for play due to COVID-19. This schedule will run September 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, at which time DPR will evaluate the times and future needs.
- Monday, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. (DPR Programming)
- Wednesday, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (DPR Programming)
- Thursday, 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. (DPR Programming only on October 14 and 21, November 4, 11 and 18, December 2, 9 and 16)
- Friday, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, 2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Pickleball Designated Times Include:
- Free Play - no permit needed
- Rentals - permit required
- Instructions - permit required
Indoor Drop-In Pickleball
Participants can enjoy friendly gameplay in a climate-controlled indoor setting. Indoor Pickleball will focus on the main components and learning the strategy of the game.
Durham Parks and Recreation offers drop-in indoor Pickleball at select recreation centers. Preregistration is not required.
For a full list of dates and times to play Pickleball at our Recreation Centers visit ActiveNet.
| Ages | City Resident | Non-City Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 16-18 | $0 | $5 |
| 19-54 | $4 | $9 |
| 55+ | $3 | $8 |
If you attend Indoor Drop-In Pickleball on a regular basis, consider purchasing a Pickleball Punch Pass. We offer multi-visit punch passes in increments of 10 visits, 25 visits, and 50 visits. Our Monthly Wellness/Open Gym Pass also includes the ability to participate in Drop-In Pickleball.
Pickleball Court Updates
Piney Wood Park
DPR's vision is to be the leading resource for recreational choices to help residents enjoy life while contributing to their health and well-being. One of our top priorities is to solicit feedback from the community on their recreation, program, and facility needs.
DPR provides various programs for both pickleball and tennis communities to include ladder play, tournaments, leagues, and social events. Because of both sports' high demand, DPR met with the Recreation Advisory Commission and tennis and pickleball representatives to discuss program and facility needs over the past two years.
Based on the feedback received, performing an inventory of existing athletic courts, and reviewing local and national participation trends, there is a need for a dedicated pickleball facility. To meet this need and better serve the community, DPR will convert the Piney Wood Tennis Courts to a dedicated pickleball facility.
DPR will start construction in the Spring of 2022 and plan to complete the pickleball court conversion by the Fall of 2022.
Northgate Park
In 2020, we received feedback from 578 residents through a survey about Northgate Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts. Based on the feedback, respondents expressed an interest in and a need for both pickleball and tennis courts.
Currently, Northgate Park has two smaller courts that are better suited for pickup games rather than league play. DPR plans to keep one tennis court and renovate it fully and convert the other court into two pickleball courts. This modification will accommodate tennis and pickleball players by providing courts for their sport without sharing space.
Construction is projected to be underway in 2023. Please note: DPR is planning to have two pickleball courts, however, the number of pickleball courts that can be installed will be determined when specifications are developed for this facility.