Pickleball Courts Near Columbus OH: Where to Play in Central Ohio
Looking for a fun way to stay active in Columbus? Pickleball might be just what you need. This fast-growing sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s easy to learn and a great workout for all ages.
Columbus has lots of places to play pickleball. Columbus has 118 courts where you can enjoy pickleball. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor options. Some are in parks, while others are at dedicated pickleball facilities. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a court for you in Columbus.
1) Antrim Park Pickleball Courts
Looking for a great spot to play pickleball in Columbus? Check out Antrim Park. It’s a popular place for pickleball enthusiasts in the area.
You’ll find 4 outdoor concrete courts at Antrim Park. They’re perfect for a fun game with friends or meeting new players.
The park is located at 5800 Olentangy River Road in Columbus. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of parking nearby.
Want to reserve a court? You can do that through the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. It costs $10 per hour to book an outdoor court.
If you don’t want to reserve, you can still play. Just show up and use any free courts on a first-come, first-served basis.
Remember to bring your own equipment. The courts have lines and nets, but you’ll need paddles and balls.
Antrim Park is a great choice for pickleball in Columbus. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll enjoy the courts and the friendly atmosphere.
2) Clinton-Como Park Courts
Looking for a great spot to play pickleball in Columbus? Check out Clinton-Como Park! This park has 2 outdoor pickleball courts for you to enjoy.
The courts at Clinton-Como Park have permanent lines, which is super convenient. You won’t need to worry about setting up temporary markings before you play.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to bring your own net. Make sure to pack one in your gear bag before heading out.
The best part? These courts are free to use. You can play as much as you want without spending a dime.
Clinton-Como Park is located at 301 W Pacemont Rd, Columbus, OH 43202. It’s easy to find and has plenty of parking nearby.
The park is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. This gives you lots of time to fit in a game or two, whether you prefer morning or evening play.
3) Scioto Southland Pickleball Courts
If you’re looking for a great place to play pickleball in Columbus, check out Scioto Southland Community Center. It’s a top spot for pickleball enthusiasts in the area.
You’ll find 4 indoor wood courts at this facility. The courts have tape lines and portable nets, making it easy to set up and start playing.
The community center is located at 3901 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43207. You can contact them at (614) 645-3224 if you need more info.
Scioto Southland offers a comfortable experience for players. You’ll have access to restrooms and water facilities while you’re there.
The center is part of a larger 20.536-acre community park in the Far South area of Columbus. The park has other amenities too, like ball diamonds and basketball courts.
4) Northam Park Courts
Northam Park in Upper Arlington offers some great pickleball courts for you to enjoy. You’ll find six dedicated courts here, perfect for a fun game with friends or family.
The courts are well-maintained and have good lighting. This means you can play even when the sun starts to set. It’s a nice option for those warm summer evenings.
You don’t need to reserve these courts. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis. So grab your paddle and head over whenever you feel like playing.
The park has plenty of parking nearby. You won’t have to worry about finding a spot for your car. There are also restrooms and water fountains close to the courts.
Northam Park is a popular spot for local pickleball players. You might meet some new friends or find a group to play with regularly. It’s a friendly community of players at all skill levels.
Remember to bring your own equipment. The park doesn’t provide paddles or balls. But once you’re there, you’re all set for a great game of pickleball.
5) Lazelle Woods Park Pickleball
If you’re looking for a great place to play pickleball near Columbus, check out Lazelle Woods Park. This popular spot offers outdoor pickleball courts for your enjoyment.
You’ll find the park at 575 Lazelle Rd, Westerville, OH 43081. It’s a convenient location for pickleball enthusiasts in the area.
The park has one pickleball court, perfect for a quick game with friends or family. It’s a nice option if you prefer playing outdoors and soaking up some sunshine while you compete.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re up for indoor play, head over to the Lazelle Woods Community Rec Center. It’s right nearby and offers additional pickleball options.
At the rec center, you’ll find four courts in total. Two are indoors, and two are outdoors. This gives you flexibility to play regardless of the weather.
Remember to bring your own equipment when you visit. It’s always a good idea to come prepared for a fun pickleball session.
The Basics of Pickleball Courts
Pickleball courts have specific dimensions and surface requirements. You’ll need to know these details to play the game properly and find suitable places to enjoy this fun sport.
Court Dimensions
A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court. It measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
The court has a non-volley zone, often called the “kitchen,” extending 7 feet from the net on each side. You can’t step into this area to hit a volley.
Lines mark the serving areas and baselines. The serving boxes are 10 feet deep on each side of the court.
Surface Materials
You can play pickleball on various surfaces. Many Columbus parks offer outdoor courts with hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
Some popular surface options include:
- Concrete: Durable and low-maintenance
- Asphalt: Provides good ball bounce
- Acrylic: Offers cushioning and vibrant colors
- Sports tiles: Portable and easy to install
Indoor courts often use wood or rubberized flooring. These surfaces are easier on your joints and provide consistent ball bounce.
When choosing a court, look for a smooth, level surface with good traction. Avoid cracks or bumps that could affect ball movement or player safety.
Benefits of Playing Pickleball
Pickleball offers a fun way to stay active and meet new people. You’ll enjoy getting fit and making friends at the same time.
Physical Health Advantages
Pickleball helps you burn calories and boost your fitness. You can improve your balance and agility while playing. The quick movements sharpen your reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
The low-impact nature of pickleball is easier on your joints than some other sports. This makes it great for all ages and fitness levels. You’ll work your heart and lungs without putting too much strain on your body.
Regular games can help you maintain a healthy weight. They also strengthen your muscles and bones. Pickleball even improves your mental focus as you strategize during matches.
Social and Community Benefits
Pickleball is a social sport that brings people together. You’ll meet new friends and bond with others who share your interest. The game’s casual nature makes it easy to chat and laugh while playing.
Many community centers offer pickleball courts, giving you a chance to connect with neighbors. You can join leagues or drop-in games to expand your social circle.
Playing pickleball regularly gives you a sense of belonging to a community. It’s a great way to stay socially active, especially if you’re retired. The friendly competition can boost your mood and reduce stress.
You’ll find players of all skill levels welcoming newcomers. This inclusive atmosphere makes it easy to get started and feel part of the group.
Finding Pickleball Courts Near Columbus, OH
Columbus has many places to play pickleball. You can find courts at local parks and rec centers. There are also some tips to help you discover new spots to play.
Local Parks and Recreation Centers
Columbus Recreation and Parks offers pickleball at many community centers. You’ll need a Leisure Card to join classes or use drop-in courts. These cards can be bought at any center.
Some popular spots include:
- Woodward Park
- Tuttle Park
- Whetstone Park
Dedicated pickleball courts with permanent lines and nets can be found at 4 locations in Columbus. If you’re okay with a taller net, you can also play on tennis courts.
Don’t forget to check out Land-Grant taproom at Gravity Experience Park. You can rent courts for $20 an hour and even get paddles and balls for a small fee.
Tips for Discovering New Spots
Keep an eye out for new courts popping up around town. Columbus has 19 pickleball courts spread across the city.
You can use online resources to find courts. These include the Pickleheads website, Pickleballify court listings, and local pickleball Facebook groups.
Don’t be shy about asking other players where they like to play. Pickleball fans are usually happy to share their favorite spots.
Check out Pickle & Chill, the biggest pickleball facility in the Midwest. It’s right here in Columbus and has both indoor and outdoor courts.
Remember to call ahead or check online for court availability and any fees. Some places might require reservations, especially during peak hours.
