Pickleball Courts Near Atlanta GA: Where to Play in the Peach State’s Capital
Pickleball is taking Atlanta by storm. This fun, fast-paced sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s easy to learn and great for all ages. You might be wondering where you can play pickleball in the Atlanta area.
You’ll find 41 pickleball courts in Atlanta, both indoor and outdoor. These courts are spread across the city, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a court near you waiting for your next game.
1) Piedmont Park Tennis Center
If you’re looking for a place to play pickleball in Atlanta, check out the Sharon Lester Tennis Center at Piedmont Park. It’s a great spot for both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts.
The center has 12 tennis courts that can be used for pickleball too. You can book a court online or by email up to three days in advance.
Agape Tennis Academy runs the pickleball programs at this location. They offer leagues for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. You can also join fun events, socials, and parties.
If you’re new to the sport, you can sign up for camps or take private lessons. For more experienced players, there are tournaments to test your skills.
The center is easy to find at 400 Park Drive NE in Atlanta. You can park on the street near Park Drive and Monroe Drive or close to The Prado.
Remember to bring your own equipment, as rentals might not always be available. With its central location and variety of programs, the Piedmont Park Tennis Center is a top choice for pickleball in Atlanta.
2) Shady Valley Park
Looking for a great spot to play pickleball in Atlanta? Check out Shady Valley Park. It’s one of the most popular places to play in the city.
You’ll find 3 outdoor pickleball courts here. They’re set up on asphalt, which gives you a nice, sturdy surface to play on.
The courts are free to use and open year-round. This means you can enjoy a game whenever you feel like it, without worrying about costs or seasonal closures.
One thing to note: the pickleball lines are painted over tennis courts. This means the net might be a bit taller than what you’re used to. But don’t let that stop you from having a great time!
Want to meet other pickleball fans? Shady Valley Park is a great place for that. There are over 80 players who frequent these courts.
You can find Shady Valley Park at 2720 Shady Valley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. It’s easy to get to and has become a hub for pickleball enthusiasts in the area.
3) Chastain Park Athletic Club
Want to play pickleball in a beautiful park setting? Chastain Park Tennis Center is the place to go. You’ll find one outdoor hard court with permanent pickleball lines.
The center is located at 110 W Wieuca Rd NE in Atlanta. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of parking. You can call them at (404) 255-3210 if you need more info.
Love meeting new players? You’re in luck. There’s a community of 62 pickleball enthusiasts who play here regularly. It’s a great chance to make friends and improve your game.
Worried about getting court time? No need to stress. You can reserve a court through the city’s iParcs system for a small fee of $3-$5 per hour.
After your game, take a stroll through the park. Chastain Park is one of Atlanta’s largest and most popular green spaces. It’s the perfect spot to cool down and enjoy nature.
4) Bitsy Grant Tennis Center
Looking for a great place to play pickleball in Atlanta? Check out Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. This awesome facility has something for everyone who loves racquet sports.
You’ll find 3 outdoor pickleball courts at Bitsy Grant. They’re perfect for a fun game with friends or family. The courts are well-maintained and free to use.
But that’s not all! Bitsy Grant is actually Atlanta’s largest tennis center. You can enjoy 13 clay courts, 12 hard courts, and even 3 platform tennis courts. It’s a paradise for racquet sport fans.
The center is in a great spot at 2125 Northside Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of parking. You’ll love the beautiful surroundings too.
Want to improve your pickleball skills? Bitsy Grant offers pickleball programs through Agape Tennis Academy. These classes are great for players of all levels.
So grab your paddle and head to Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. It’s a fantastic place to play pickleball and enjoy other racquet sports in Atlanta.
5) Southwest Atlanta Pickleball Courts
Looking for pickleball courts in Southwest Atlanta? You’re in luck! This area has some great options for players of all skill levels.
One popular spot is the Anderson Recreation Center. It’s located at 120 Anderson Ave NW and offers indoor courts. You can call them at 404-799-2346 for more info on playing times.
Another place to check out is the Pittman Park courts. They’re outdoor courts, perfect for those sunny Atlanta days. You’ll find them nestled in a nice neighborhood setting.
Don’t forget about the Ben Hill Recreation Center. They’ve got some courts that are great for a quick game or a longer practice session.
Remember to bring your own equipment when you head out to play. Most of these courts don’t provide paddles or balls.
It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check online for the most up-to-date court availability and hours. Some places might have specific pickleball times or require reservations.
History of Pickleball in Atlanta
Pickleball has taken Atlanta by storm in recent years. You might be surprised to learn that this fun sport has roots going back to 1965 in Washington state.
The game made its way to Georgia and started gaining popularity in the early 2000s. Atlanta’s warm climate and active community made it the perfect spot for pickleball to thrive.
At first, you’d find people playing on modified tennis courts. As interest grew, dedicated pickleball courts started popping up around the city.
In 2024, Atlanta kicked off a pilot program to create more pickleball courts. This plan includes 16 dedicated courts and 33 shared tennis/pickleball courts.
Today, you can find 41 popular pickleball courts in Atlanta. These courts offer a mix of indoor and outdoor options to suit your preferences.
The sport’s growth in Atlanta mirrors its national popularity. You’ll see people of all ages enjoying pickleball in parks and recreation centers across the city.
Local clubs and leagues have formed, giving you plenty of chances to join the fun. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Atlanta’s pickleball scene has something for everyone.
Understanding Pickleball Court Surfaces
Pickleball court surfaces can affect your game in big ways. The type of surface you play on changes how the ball bounces and how you move around the court.
Types of Court Surfaces
You’ll find a variety of surfaces when playing pickleball in Atlanta. Hard courts are the most common, with 23 locations offering this surface. These courts are usually made of asphalt or concrete with a special coating.
Asphalt courts are available at 7 spots in Atlanta. They’re durable and give a consistent bounce. Wood courts can be found at 6 locations. These indoor courts are smooth and easy on your joints.
Concrete courts are less common, with only 3 spots in Atlanta. They’re tough and last a long time, but can be hard on your body.
Impact on Gameplay
The court surface affects how you play pickleball. Hard courts give a fast, high bounce. This speeds up the game and makes for exciting rallies.
Asphalt courts offer good grip and a medium-paced game. The ball bounce is predictable, helping you plan your shots better.
Wood courts are typically indoors. They’re easier on your legs and back. The ball tends to bounce lower on wood, which can change your strategy.
Concrete courts are similar to hard courts but can be rougher. They might slow the ball down a bit more than other surfaces.
Pickleball Court Etiquette
Good manners and respect for others are key when playing pickleball. Knowing the right way to act on the court helps everyone have more fun.
Court Sharing Tips
When you arrive at a busy pickleball court, join the waiting line if there is one. Don’t jump ahead or try to reserve a court for later.
If there’s no line, ask politely if you can join the next game.
Between points, return stray balls from other courts quickly. Just roll them gently to the nearest player on that court. Don’t toss balls over the net or interrupt play.
Keep your voice down during games on nearby courts. Loud talking or yelling can distract other players. Save celebrations for after the point is over.
Dress Code and Gear
Wear comfy clothes that let you move easily.
Pickleball-specific shoes with good grip are best. They help you avoid slips and protect the court surface.
Bring your own paddle and a few balls. It’s nice to share, but don’t count on borrowing gear.
Make sure your paddle meets official size rules.
For outdoor play, wear sunscreen and a hat. Sunglasses can help too, but make sure they don’t block your vision.
Stay hydrated! Bring a water bottle and take breaks to drink, especially on hot days.
