Pickleball Courts Near Burlington VT: Top Spots for Local Players

Pickleball is taking Burlington by storm. More and more people are picking up paddles and hitting the courts. If you’re looking to join in on the action, you might be wondering where to play.

Burlington and the surrounding area have several pickleball courts for you to choose from. Some are outdoors, perfect for sunny days. Others are indoors, so you can play year-round. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a court near you waiting for your next game.

1) Smugglers’ Notch Resort

You can enjoy pickleball at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont. The resort offers both tennis and pickleball courts for guests to use.

The courts are open daily from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. This gives you plenty of time to fit in a game or two during your stay.

If you have a SmuggsPass or Daycation package, pickleball is included at no extra cost. This makes it a great activity option for your vacation.

The resort caters to all ages, so you can play pickleball whether you’re a kid, teen, or adult. It’s a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together.

In the summer, you can rent a court for $10 per hour if you want some dedicated playing time. This option is available from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort is a great place to try pickleball if you’re new to the sport. It’s also perfect for experienced players looking to get some game time in during their vacation.

2) Oakledge Park

Looking for a pickleball spot with a view? Oakledge Park in Burlington has you covered. This park sits right on Lake Champlain, giving you amazing waterfront scenery while you play.

You’ll find three outdoor pickleball courts here. The lines are marked on tennis courts, so the nets are a bit taller than usual. Don’t let that stop you from having a great time!

Oakledge Park isn’t just about pickleball. You can enjoy two beach areas, Blanchard Beach and the Cove. There’s also a playground for the kids and walking trails to explore.

Want to make a day of it? The park has two large shelters you can rent from May to October. Perfect for a picnic after your game!

One cool feature is the world’s first accessible treehouse. It’s a unique attraction that sets Oakledge apart from other parks.

These are public courts, so you might need to wait your turn on busy days. But with all the other activities around, you won’t mind the wait.

3) Shelburne Athletic Club

Looking for a place to play pickleball near Burlington? You might want to check out the Shelburne Athletic Club. This indoor recreation center is a great spot for sports and fitness activities.

The club is located at 166 Athletic Drive in Shelburne, Vermont. It’s just a short drive from Burlington, making it easy to get to.

While the club’s website doesn’t specifically mention pickleball courts, it’s worth giving them a call to ask. Their phone number is (802) 985-4410. You can also email them at [email protected] for more information.

The Shelburne Athletic Club offers various sports facilities and a full health club. It’s a place where you can train, compete, and have fun.

If you’re interested in joining, they have membership options available. You can find out more about what they offer, including classes and personal training, on their website.

Remember to call ahead and ask about their pickleball facilities before making the trip. It’s always a good idea to confirm availability and any potential fees.

4) Leddy Park

If you’re looking for a great spot to play pickleball in Burlington, VT, Leddy Park is a top choice. You’ll find 4 outdoor hard courts here, perfect for your next game.

The courts at Leddy Park are free to use, which is a big plus for budget-conscious players. You can grab your paddle and head over without worrying about fees.

One thing to note is that the pickleball lines are overlaid on tennis courts. This means the net might be a bit higher than a standard pickleball net, but it’s still totally playable.

You’ll find Leddy Park at 174 Leddy Park Road in Burlington. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of parking nearby.

If you’re planning a night game, you’re in luck. The courts at Leddy Park are lit, so you can keep playing even after the sun goes down.

Remember to bring your own equipment, as the park doesn’t provide paddles or balls. But with its great location and free courts, Leddy Park is a fantastic spot for your next pickleball match.

5) Waterfront Park

Have you checked out Waterfront Park in Burlington? It’s a great spot to enjoy some pickleball action with a view. The park offers outdoor tennis courts that you can use for pickleball games.

You’ll love the scenery while playing. Lake Champlain provides a stunning backdrop for your matches. The fresh air and open space make it a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Remember to bring your own net and equipment. The courts are first-come, first-served, so you might want to arrive early on busy days.

After your game, you can cool off with a stroll along the waterfront. There are plenty of benches where you can sit and relax. You might even want to pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake.

Keep in mind that the courts can get busy during peak times. Weekends and evenings are often popular. You might want to have a backup plan in case the courts are full when you arrive.

History of Pickleball in Burlington

Pickleball has come a long way in Burlington, Vermont. You might be surprised to learn that this fun sport has been around the area for quite some time.

The exact date pickleball arrived in Burlington is unclear. But it’s likely that enthusiasts brought the game to the city in the late 1990s or early 2000s.

At first, pickleball was mostly played in community centers and retirement communities. People of all ages quickly fell in love with the sport’s easy-to-learn rules and social nature.

As interest grew, more dedicated courts started popping up. Local parks and recreation departments took notice and began adding pickleball lines to existing tennis courts.

In recent years, pickleball’s popularity has exploded in Burlington. You can now find courts all over the city, both indoor and outdoor.

One of the biggest developments has been the transformation of a South Burlington fitness center. It’s now become Vermont’s largest pickleball venue, showing just how much the sport has grown.

Today, you’ll find a thriving pickleball community in Burlington. Local tournaments, leagues, and social events bring players together year-round.

Features of Great Pickleball Courts

Great pickleball courts have specific qualities that make them enjoyable to play on. The surface and size of the court are key factors that impact your game.

Court Surface Materials

The best pickleball courts have smooth, even surfaces. You’ll find different materials used:

Asphalt: Durable and affordable, but can be hard on joints.
Concrete: Long-lasting and low-maintenance, but can be slippery when wet.
Acrylic: Provides good traction and cushioning, popular for outdoor courts.
Sport court tiles: Offer shock absorption and drainage, great for indoor and outdoor use.

Your ideal surface depends on where you play. Indoor courts often use wood or sport court tiles. Outdoor courts typically use concrete or asphalt with acrylic coating.

Ideal Court Dimensions

A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. This size works for both singles and doubles play.

Key measurements to know:

Non-volley zone (kitchen): 7 feet from the net on each side
Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at center
Baseline to net: 22 feet

These dimensions give you enough room to move and play comfortably. Proper court size ensures fair play and lets you enjoy the game to its fullest.

Getting Involved with Local Pickleball Community

Burlington’s pickleball scene is growing fast. You can join clubs and play in tournaments to meet other players and improve your skills.

Joining Pickleball Clubs

Pickleball clubs at local community centers often welcome new members. Players of all levels can join these clubs, where you’ll find friendly folks who love the game as much as you do.

Many clubs offer regular play times, which makes it easy to fit pickleball into your schedule. Some even have lessons for beginners.

To join, check out club websites or visit courts during open play. Don’t be shy – most players are happy to welcome newcomers.

Joining a club can help you:

Make new friends
Improve your game
Stay active and have fun

Participating in Tournaments

Tournaments are a fun way to test your skills and meet players from all over. Burlington area courts host events for different skill levels.

To get started:

Check local pickleball websites for upcoming events.
Practice your skills at open play sessions.
Sign up early – spots can fill up fast!

Tournaments often have different categories based on skill and age. This means you’ll play against others at your level.

Don’t worry if you’re new. Many tournaments have beginner brackets. It’s a great way to get a taste of competitive play without feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, tournaments are about having fun and meeting people. Even if you don’t win, you’ll learn a lot and improve your game.