Pickleball Courts Near Tacoma WA: Top Spots for Local Players

Pickleball is a fun sport that’s catching on fast in Tacoma, Washington. If you’re looking to play, you’re in luck! There are lots of courts where you can enjoy a game or two.

Tacoma has both indoor and outdoor options for pickleball players. You can find 4 public pickleball courts in Tacoma where you can play for free. Some places even have lights so you can keep playing after dark. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, Tacoma has a court for you.

1) Ruston Way Waterfront Park

Looking for a scenic spot to play pickleball in Tacoma? Ruston Way Waterfront Park might be your answer. This two-mile-long waterfront offers stunning views of Commencement Bay.

While it’s not primarily known for pickleball, the park’s open spaces could be perfect for a casual game. You’ll need to bring your own net and equipment, though.

The park is great for more than just pickleball. You can enjoy walking, jogging, or rollerblading along the waterfront path. Fishing is another popular activity here.

Ruston Way Waterfront Park is made up of several smaller parks. This gives you plenty of options for finding a good spot to set up your pickleball game.

The park is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Plan your pickleball outing accordingly.

After your game, you can explore nearby attractions. Point Defiance Park is just a short drive away, offering even more outdoor activities.

2) Vassault Park Pickleball Courts

Looking for a place to play pickleball in Tacoma? Vassault Park might be just what you need. This park offers two outdoor pickleball courts for your enjoyment.

You’ll find these courts at 6100 N 37th St, Tacoma, WA 98407. The best part? They’re free to access, so you can play without worrying about fees.

The courts at Vassault Park are actually lined tennis courts that have been adapted for pickleball. This means you’ll have plenty of space to move around during your games.

Need to play after dark? No problem! The courts have lighting, so you can enjoy a match even when the sun goes down.

If you’re looking to meet other pickleball enthusiasts, Vassault Park could be a great spot. There are 19 players connected to this location on one pickleball app.

Remember to bring your own equipment, as the park doesn’t provide pickleball gear. With its free access and lighted courts, Vassault Park is a great option for your next pickleball adventure in Tacoma.

3) Bellarmine Preparatory School Courts

You might want to check out the pickleball courts at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma. This private Catholic high school has some great facilities for sports and activities.

While the school doesn’t specifically advertise pickleball courts, they likely have multipurpose courts that can be used for the game. Many schools are adding pickleball lines to their existing tennis or basketball courts.

You’ll need to contact the school directly to ask about their pickleball options. They might allow community members to use the courts during certain hours when school isn’t in session.

Bellarmine Prep is located in central Tacoma, making it convenient for many residents. The school’s address is 2300 S Washington St, Tacoma, WA 98405.

Remember to bring your own equipment if you plan to play pickleball here. The school probably won’t provide nets or paddles for non-students.

4) Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club Pickleball

You’ll find a gem for pickleball enthusiasts at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. This private, member-owned club is tucked away in the heart of North Tacoma.

While tennis is their main focus, they’ve embraced the growing popularity of pickleball. The club boasts a dedicated pickleball court for members to enjoy.

You’ll love the club’s prime location at 502 N. Borough Rd, Tacoma, WA 98403. It’s easily accessible and perfect for a quick game after work or on weekends.

Don’t forget to check their hours before heading over. The club office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

If you’re thinking about joining, you’ll be pleased to know that membership includes access to other amenities too. You can cool off in the outdoor pool or hit the fitness facility between pickleball matches.

Want more info? Give them a ring at (253) 383-5934. The friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions about pickleball play times and membership options.

5) Kandle Park Pickleball Courts

Kandle Park in Tacoma offers a fun spot to play pickleball. You’ll find courts here that are open to the public.

The park is located in a nice area of the city. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of parking nearby.

When you visit, you’ll see that the courts are well-maintained. They have good surfaces for playing and clear lines.

You can bring your own equipment or sometimes borrow some at the park. It’s a good idea to check ahead about what’s available.

The courts at Kandle Park are popular with local players. You might meet some friendly faces and even join a game.

Remember to follow court etiquette when you play. Be respectful of others and take turns if it’s busy.

Kandle Park is a great choice for both new and experienced players. You can practice your skills or enjoy a casual game with friends.

History of Pickleball in Tacoma

Pickleball’s roots in Tacoma go back to the sport’s origins. You might be surprised to learn that pickleball started on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry ride from Tacoma, in 1965.

Over the years, the game slowly spread throughout the Pacific Northwest. Tacoma residents caught on to the fun, and courts started popping up around the city.

In recent times, pickleball has exploded in popularity. You’ve probably noticed more people talking about it or even playing at your local parks.

Check out these cool facts about pickleball’s growth in Tacoma:

• In Northeast Tacoma, the number of players jumped from 1 to 150 in just over a year!
• Metro Parks Tacoma has been busy adding new courts to keep up with demand.
• They’ve been striping existing courts and even resurfacing some to create better playing conditions.

Your local community centers have gotten in on the action too. People’s Community Center now boasts six indoor courts, making it a hot spot for advanced players.

Best Time to Play at Local Courts

Thinking about hitting the pickleball courts in Tacoma? Timing is key for a great game.

Mornings are often the best bet. You’ll find cooler temps and smaller crowds. Many local players prefer early hours before work or school.

Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends. If you’re looking for a casual game, try mid-morning on a Tuesday or Thursday.

Evening play can be fun too. After 6 PM, you might catch the after-work crowd for more competitive matches.

Weather matters in Tacoma. Sunny days are perfect for outdoor courts. But don’t let a little rain stop you – some spots offer indoor courts too.

Want to join organized play? Check out the Grit City Gherkins Pickleball Club. They host regular events and open play sessions.

Remember, popular times can vary by location. It’s a good idea to scout out your favorite courts at different times. This way, you’ll find the sweet spot that works best for your schedule and play style.

Pickleball Etiquette and Rules

When playing pickleball in Tacoma, it’s important to know the proper etiquette and basic rules. This helps keep games fun and fair for everyone on the court.

Community Guidelines

Be respectful of other players and the facilities. Arrive on time for your court slot. If you’re new, let others know so they can help you learn.

Don’t hog the courts. Most places have a 30-minute time limit if others are waiting. Rotate players in and out to give everyone a chance to play.

Keep the noise down. Pickleball can get exciting, but try not to yell or make too much racket. Some neighbors might not love the sound of paddles hitting balls.

Clean up after yourself. Put away equipment and throw out any trash before you leave. This keeps the courts nice for the next group.

Basic Play Rules

Serve diagonally across the court, making sure the ball clears the non-volley zone (kitchen). You only get one serve attempt.

Don’t volley in the kitchen. You can’t hit the ball in the air while standing in this zone near the net.

The two-bounce rule is key. The serving and receiving teams must each let the ball bounce once before hitting it. After that, you can volley.

Call “out” loudly if you see a ball land outside the lines. If you’re not sure, it’s in. Be honest with your calls to keep the game fair.

Score using the sequence: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, server number (1 or 2). For example: “4-2-1”.