Pickleball Courts Near Spokane WA: Local Hotspots for Paddle Enthusiasts
Pickleball is a fun sport that’s getting more and more popular. It’s a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Lots of people in Spokane, Washington love to play this game.
If you’re looking to play pickleball in Spokane, you’re in luck. There are many places to play pickleball in and around Spokane, WA. You can find both indoor and outdoor courts. Some are free to use, while others might charge a small fee.
1) Dwight Merkel Sports Complex
If you’re looking for a place to play pickleball in Spokane, check out the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex. This huge sports facility has lots of options for athletes of all kinds.
You’ll find pickleball courts here, along with many other sports fields. The complex has both grass and turf fields for different activities.
Want to know the layout? You can find a detailed map of the complex online. It shows where everything is, including the pickleball courts.
The complex is located at 5071 N Assembly St in Spokane. It’s a great spot for a day of sports and fun with friends or family.
Remember to bring your own equipment if you plan to play pickleball. The courts are ready for you to enjoy a game or two.
2) Mission Park
Looking for a great spot to play pickleball in Spokane? Mission Park might be just what you need. This park offers seven outdoor pickleball courts that are free to use anytime.
You’ll find the courts at 1208 E Mission Ave in Spokane. They’re part of a larger park area, giving you plenty of space to warm up or cool down before and after your games.
One thing to keep in mind is that you might need to bring your own nets. It’s a good idea to pack them just in case.
The courts have permanent lines, making it easy to set up and start playing right away. You don’t need to worry about drawing boundaries or figuring out where to place the net.
If you’re hungry after your game, there are several restaurants near the courts, so you can grab a bite to eat without going far.
Remember to check the park’s schedule. Sometimes there might be leagues or events happening on the courts.
3) Comstock Park
Comstock Park is a top spot for pickleball in Spokane. You’ll find 12 outdoor hard courts here, making it one of the biggest pickleball locations in the area.
The courts have permanent lines, so you don’t need to worry about setting up boundaries. But remember to bring your own net if you want to play.
You can find Comstock Park at 3012 S Howard St, Spokane, WA 99203. It’s easy to get to and has plenty of parking nearby.
The park is free and open to the public. This means you can drop by anytime for a game without worrying about fees.
If you want to make sure you get a court, you can reserve one in advance. This is handy during busy times when lots of people want to play.
Comstock Park is popular with both new and experienced players. You’ll often find friendly games going on, so it’s a great place to meet other pickleball fans.
4) Sky Prairie Park
Looking for a great spot to play pickleball in Spokane? Check out Sky Prairie Park! It’s one of the most popular places to enjoy this fun sport in the area.
You’ll find 5 outdoor pickleball courts here. The courts have a smooth asphalt surface, perfect for your game. They’re also equipped with permanent lines, so you won’t have to worry about marking the boundaries yourself.
The park is located at 8501 N Nettleton Ct, Spokane, WA 99208. It’s easy to find and has plenty of parking nearby.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to bring your own nets. The park doesn’t provide them, so make sure to pack yours before heading out.
Sky Prairie Park is open to the public, which means you can drop by anytime for a casual game. It’s a great place to meet other pickleball enthusiasts and maybe even make some new friends.
Remember to bring water and sunscreen, especially on hot days. The courts are outdoors, so you’ll want to stay hydrated and protected from the sun while you play.
5) Ben Burr Trail
The Ben Burr Trail offers a unique spot for pickleball enthusiasts near Spokane. While it’s not a dedicated pickleball court, this former railroad bed has potential for outdoor play.
You’ll find the trail connected to Underhill Park, which is getting new sports courts. The park’s sledding hill rises 80 feet to meet the trail.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can bring your portable net and paddles. The trail’s flat surface might work for a quick game with friends.
Remember, this isn’t an official pickleball spot. You’ll need to be respectful of walkers and cyclists using the trail. It’s a fun option if you want to mix up your usual pickleball routine with some outdoor exploration.
After your game, you can enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the trail. It’s a great way to cool down and take in the scenery around Spokane.
History of Pickleball Courts in Spokane
Pickleball has grown rapidly in Spokane over the years. The city now boasts many courts where you can enjoy this fun sport.
Origins and Growth
You might be surprised to learn that pickleball came to Spokane in the early 2000s. At first, there were only a few makeshift courts. Players used tape to mark lines on tennis courts.
As the sport got more popular, dedicated courts started popping up. The City of Spokane Parks & Recreation began adding pickleball lines to existing tennis courts. This gave players more places to play.
By the 2010s, pickleball was booming. New courts appeared in parks and community centers. The Prairie View Community Park added dedicated pickleball courts near its aquatics facility.
Today, you can find over 20 pickleball courts in Spokane. Some are indoor, letting you play year-round. Others are outdoor, perfect for sunny days. Many have lights so you can play at night too.
Features of Pickleball Courts
Pickleball courts have specific dimensions and surface materials that affect gameplay. These elements are key for players to understand when choosing a court in Spokane.
Court Dimensions
Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts. They measure 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The non-volley zone, also called the “kitchen,” extends 7 feet from the net on each side.
The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. This slight dip helps with ball clearance during play.
Lines on the court mark important areas:
- Baselines
- Sidelines
- Non-volley zone lines
- Center lines
You’ll find these dimensions on dedicated pickleball courts in Spokane. Some places might have temporary lines on tennis courts, but the official size remains the same.
Surface Materials
Pickleball courts can have different surfaces. Each type affects how you move and how the ball bounces.
Common surface materials include:
- Asphalt
- Concrete
- Acrylic
- Sport court tiles
Acrylic surfaces are popular for outdoor courts. They offer good traction and ball bounce. Holmberg Park in Spokane has outdoor acrylic courts.
Indoor courts often use sport court tiles. These provide cushioning and are easier on your joints. Some indoor facilities in Spokane might use this surface.
The surface affects your game. Harder surfaces like concrete make the ball bounce higher. Softer surfaces can slow the game down a bit.
Community and Events
Spokane’s pickleball scene is buzzing with exciting tournaments and social gatherings. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to test your skills and make new friends on the courts.
Local Pickleball Tournaments
Spokane hosts several pickleball tournaments throughout the year. Competitions are available for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. The Comstock Park courts often serve as a venue for these events.
Local clubs organize round-robin tournaments. These tournaments allow you to play multiple matches in a day. They are great for improving your game and meeting other players. Some tournaments even offer prizes for the winners.
Many events have novice categories, so you can compete with players at your skill level.
Social Gatherings
Pickleball isn’t just about competition – it’s also a fun way to socialize. The Warehouse Athletic Facility hosts regular social play sessions where you can drop in and join games with others.
You’ll often find players grabbing a bite to eat together after games. It’s a great chance to chat and make new friends who share your love of pickleball.
Some local groups organize pickleball potlucks or barbecues. These events combine playing with socializing off the court. You might even pick up some tips from more experienced players during these gatherings.