Pickleball Courts Near Jonesboro AR: Where to Get Your Paddle On

Pickleball is taking Jonesboro by storm. This fun sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s easy to learn and great for all ages. More people are picking up paddles and looking for places to play.

You might be wondering where to find pickleball courts in Jonesboro, Arkansas. There are several options for indoor and outdoor play in the area. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find courts that suit your needs.

Let’s explore some of the popular spots where you can enjoy a game of pickleball in Jonesboro.

1) Craighead Forest Park

Craighead Forest Park is a great spot for outdoor activities near Jonesboro. You’ll find plenty to do here, including pickleball courts for your enjoyment.

The park opened in 1937 and is now owned by the city. It’s nestled in the beautiful Crowley’s Ridge area, giving you scenic views while you play.

You can easily spend a whole day at the park. After your pickleball game, you might want to try fishing in the lake or hiking on the trails. There are also spots for camping if you’re up for an overnight stay.

The park has playgrounds and picnic areas too. These are perfect for a family outing or a break between games. You can even rent kayaks for some fun on the water.

Don’t forget to check out the pavilions and band shell. These areas are great for larger gatherings or events. With so much to offer, Craighead Forest Park is more than just a place to play pickleball – it’s a full outdoor experience.

2) Earl Bell Community Center

Looking for a place to play pickleball in Jonesboro? Earl Bell Community Center might be your next stop. This center offers various activities for locals and visitors alike.

While the center doesn’t specifically mention pickleball courts, it does have other fun options. You can try out the rock climbing wall for a different kind of workout. It’s a great way to switch up your routine if pickleball courts aren’t available.

The center offers rock wall parties too. You can book a two-hour block for under 20 climbers at $100. If you have a bigger group, it’s $5 per person for two hours.

Want to check it out? You’ll find Earl Bell Community Center at 1212 S. Church Street in Jonesboro. It’s part of the city’s network of community centers.

Remember to call ahead to check for pickleball availability. The center might have added new activities since the last update. It’s always a good idea to confirm before you go.

3) Sage Meadows Country Club

Sage Meadows Country Club is a popular spot in Jonesboro, AR. You’ll find it open to the public, so you don’t need a membership to enjoy its facilities.

If you’re looking to hit the links, this is the place to be. The golf course is the main attraction here. You can call the Golf Shop to book a tee time or ask about current rates.

Feeling hungry after your game? No worries! The country club has a grill where you can grab a bite to eat. It’s a great spot to relax and chat with friends after a round of golf.

While Sage Meadows is known for golf, it might have other amenities too. You could check if they have tennis courts or a swimming pool for some extra fun.

Want to stay in the loop about events and specials? Follow their Facebook page. It’s a good way to see what’s happening at the club.

Remember, Sage Meadows isn’t just for golfers. It’s a place where you can enjoy a day out, whether you’re swinging clubs or just soaking up the atmosphere.

4) Jonesboro Country Club

You might want to check out the Jonesboro Country Club for pickleball. While it’s known for golf, some country clubs have started adding pickleball courts to their amenities.

Keep in mind that this club may require membership to access their facilities. It’s a good idea to call ahead and ask about their pickleball options.

If they do have courts, you’ll likely find a nice setting for your game. Country clubs often maintain their grounds well.

You might also meet other pickleball enthusiasts there. Many clubs have regular players who enjoy the sport.

Remember to bring your own equipment if you visit. Some places provide paddles and balls, but it’s always best to be prepared.

Don’t forget to check their schedule. They might have specific times for pickleball play or lessons if you’re new to the game.

5) Nettleton Valley Riparian Nature Center

Looking for a unique spot to play pickleball in Jonesboro? You might want to check out Nettleton Valley Riparian Nature Center. While it’s not a dedicated pickleball facility, this scenic area offers some interesting options for outdoor enthusiasts.

You’ll find that the nature center has open spaces where you can set up a portable pickleball net. It’s a great way to combine your love for the game with the beauty of nature.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own equipment. The center doesn’t provide pickleball gear, so pack your paddles, balls, and a portable net.

The natural surroundings add a fun twist to your pickleball experience. You might even spot some local wildlife while you’re playing!

Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the environment. Pick up any trash and try not to disturb the natural habitat.

While it’s not a traditional court, playing pickleball at Nettleton Valley Riparian Nature Center can be a refreshing change of pace. It’s a chance to enjoy your favorite sport in a peaceful, natural setting.

Benefits of Playing Pickleball

Pickleball offers a fun way to stay active and connect with others. It’s easy to learn but challenging to master, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels.

Physical Health Advantages

Playing pickleball can boost your fitness in many ways. You’ll burn calories, improve your balance, and strengthen your muscles. A typical game can help you burn up to 600 calories per hour.

Pickleball is easier on your joints than some other sports. This makes it great if you have knee or hip issues. You’ll still get a good workout without too much strain.

The quick movements in pickleball can sharpen your reflexes. You’ll also improve your hand-eye coordination as you hit the ball back and forth.

Regular play can help lower your blood pressure and improve heart health. It’s a fun way to meet exercise goals without feeling like you’re working out.

Social and Community Benefits

Pickleball is a social sport that brings people together. You’ll meet new friends and build connections with others in your community.

The game is often played in doubles, encouraging teamwork and communication. You’ll learn to work well with a partner and develop trust on the court.

Pickleball courts like The Trim Gym in Jonesboro offer a place to gather and socialize. You can join leagues or attend tournaments to expand your social circle.

Playing pickleball can boost your mood and reduce stress. The combination of exercise and social interaction releases feel-good chemicals in your brain.

It’s a great way to spend time with family or friends of all ages. Grandparents can play with grandkids, making it a true multi-generational activity.

Types of Pickleball Courts

Pickleball courts come in different types to suit various needs and preferences. The main differences are indoor versus outdoor courts and the materials used for the playing surface.

Indoor vs Outdoor Courts

Indoor pickleball courts offer a controlled environment. You can play year-round without worrying about weather. The Trim Gym Pickleball in Jonesboro has 6 indoor courts.

Outdoor courts let you enjoy fresh air and sunlight. They’re often found in parks or community centers.

Indoor courts usually have better lighting and no wind to affect your shots. Outdoor courts might have uneven surfaces or sun glare to deal with.

Your choice depends on what’s available near you and your playing style. Indoor courts are great for consistent play, while outdoor courts offer a more varied experience.

Court Surfaces and Materials

The surface you play on affects how the ball bounces and how you move. Common materials include:

Concrete: Durable and low-maintenance
Wood: Often found in indoor gyms
Acrylic: Provides good traction and ball response

In Jonesboro, you’ll find concrete, wood, and acrylic courts. Concrete is the most common, with at least one location offering this surface.

Each material has its pros and cons. Concrete is tough but can be hard on your joints. Wood gives a nice feel but needs more upkeep. Acrylic offers a good mix of playability and durability.

Your shoes and playing style might work better on certain surfaces. Try different courts to see what you like best.

Pickleball Rules and Basics

Pickleball is a fun and easy sport to learn. You’ll need some basic equipment and a few key rules to get started playing.

Essential Equipment

To play pickleball, you’ll need:

A pickleball paddle. The paddle is smaller than a tennis racket but bigger than a ping pong paddle.
Pickleballs, which are plastic balls with holes, similar to wiffle balls
A net, set at 34 inches high in the middle
A court, about the size of a badminton court

You can find pickleball courts in Jonesboro at places like The Trim Gym and Allen Park Community Center.

Basic Rules and Scoring

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. Here are some key rules:

You must serve underhand and diagonally across the court.
Let the ball bounce once on each side before you can make volleys.
You should stay out of the “kitchen” (7-foot non-volley zone) near the net unless the ball bounces there first.

Scoring in pickleball:

Only the serving team can score points.
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
Points are announced as three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2 in doubles).

The most popular court surface in Jonesboro is concrete, so wear appropriate shoes for grip and comfort.