Pickleball Courts Near St. Paul MN: Where to Get Your Paddle On
Pickleball is taking the sports world by storm. This fun, fast-paced game mixes elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s easy to learn but hard to master, making it perfect for players of all skill levels.
If you’re in St. Paul, Minnesota and looking to join the pickleball craze, you’re in luck. St. Paul offers 12 popular pickleball courts spread across the city, both indoor and outdoor. These courts cater to beginners and seasoned players alike, giving you plenty of options to grab a paddle and start playing.
1) Battle Creek Regional Park
Looking for a great spot to play pickleball near St. Paul? Check out Battle Creek Regional Park. It’s home to the Battle Creek Recreation Center, which offers both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts.
You’ll find two indoor courts at the recreation center. These courts have permanent lines, making it easy to play without setting up boundaries each time. The center also provides portable nets for your convenience.
Want to enjoy some fresh air while playing? The recreation center has two outdoor courts as well. This gives you options for year-round play, no matter the weather.
The facility is located at 75 Winthrop St S, Saint Paul, MN. It’s easy to find and has plenty of parking available.
You’ll need to pay a small fee to use the courts. But don’t worry, it’s just a one-time charge. Once you’ve paid, you’re free to play as long as you like.
The center offers drop-in play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 am to 12 pm. This is a great chance to meet other players and join in some friendly games.
2) Woodland Hills Park
Woodland Hills Park is a great spot for pickleball in St. Paul. You’ll find tennis courts here that can be used for pickleball games.
The park is in a quiet neighborhood, giving you a peaceful setting for your matches. It’s surrounded by trees, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
You need to bring your own net and equipment to play pickleball here. The courts are free to use, so it’s a budget-friendly option for your games.
Remember to draw your own lines for pickleball, as the courts are primarily set up for tennis. This is common for many parks in St. Paul.
The park has parking available, making it easy to access. You’ll also find other amenities nearby, like walking paths and green spaces.
It’s a good idea to check the court availability before you go. On nice days, the courts can get busy with both tennis and pickleball players.
3) Lilydale Regional Park
Looking for a scenic spot to play pickleball near St. Paul? Lilydale Regional Park might be your next favorite destination. This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including pickleball.
You’ll find pickleball courts nestled among the park’s natural beauty. The courts are well-maintained and ready for your next game. Bring your paddles and balls, and you’re all set for a fun match.
After your pickleball session, you can explore other park amenities. Take a stroll on the hiking trails or enjoy a relaxing picnic. If you’re into water activities, you can try kayaking or canoeing on Pickerel Lake.
The park even has a kayak/canoe launch near the picnic shelter parking lot. You can rent kayaks seasonally if you don’t have your own.
Remember to check the park’s hours before you go. It’s a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, as the pickleball courts can get busy.
4) Hazel Park Recreation Center
Looking for a great place to play pickleball in St. Paul? Check out Hazel Park Recreation Center. You’ll find 3 indoor hard courts perfect for your next game.
The center has permanent lines on the courts, making it easy to play. You don’t need to worry about bringing your own net either. The facility provides portable nets for your convenience.
Want to play outside when the weather’s nice? Hazel Park has you covered. The recreation center also offers 3 outdoor courts for those sunny days.
You’ll find all the amenities you need at Hazel Park. The center has restrooms, water, and lights for indoor play. This means you can enjoy a comfortable game any time of day.
Hazel Park Recreation Center is located at 945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119. If you need more info, you can call them at (651) 501-6350.
Remember to check with the center for their current schedule. This way, you can plan your pickleball games around their available times.
5) Highland Park Community Center
You can find some great pickleball courts at the Highland Park Community Center in St. Paul. This popular spot is located at 1978 Ford Pkwy in Saint Paul, MN.
The center has 3 indoor hard courts for pickleball. You’ll be happy to know that the lines are permanent, so there’s no confusion about where to play.
Don’t worry about bringing your own net. The center provides portable nets for your use.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t reserve these courts ahead of time. It’s first-come, first-served, so you might want to arrive early if you’re planning to play during busy hours.
If you need any information or want to check on court availability, you can always give them a call at (651) 695-3706. The staff is usually happy to help.
Highland Park Community Center is a great place to meet other pickleball fans. You might even make some new friends to play with regularly.
Understanding Pickleball Courts
Pickleball courts have specific dimensions and surface materials that affect gameplay. These factors are key to creating a good playing experience for you and other players.
Court Dimensions
Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts. They measure 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
The court has a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. This area is often called the “kitchen.” You can’t volley the ball while standing in this zone.
The service courts are on either side of the center line. They extend from the non-volley zone to the baseline. When serving, you must hit diagonally across the court into the correct service court.
Surface Materials
Pickleball courts can be made from various materials. Each type affects ball bounce and player movement differently.
Asphalt and concrete are common for outdoor courts. They’re durable but can be hard on your joints. Many players prefer acrylic-coated surfaces, which offer better cushioning and ball control.
Indoor courts often use wood or specialized synthetic materials. These provide consistent ball bounce and are easier on your body during long play sessions.
Some temporary courts use interlocking plastic tiles. These are great for setting up quick games in multi-use spaces. You might find these at community centers or gyms.
Remember, court surface can affect your game strategy. Faster surfaces like concrete may require quicker reactions, while slower surfaces allow for more strategic play.
Playing Pickleball in St. Paul
St. Paul offers many options for pickleball enthusiasts. You’ll find courts across the city, both indoor and outdoor, with varying amenities and rules.
Local Playing Tips
St. Paul has 10 pickleball courts spread throughout the city. Some courts are converted tennis courts, so you might need to bring your own net. Tennis nets are a bit higher, but many players don’t mind.
For outdoor play, check out East View Playground. It has 1 outdoor court with lighting, perfect for evening games.
Indoor options are available too. Many recreation centers have pickleball courts in their gyms. These are great for year-round play, especially during Minnesota’s cold winters.
Remember to bring your own equipment. Most public courts don’t provide paddles or balls.
Community Rules
St. Paul’s pickleball community is friendly but follows certain rules. Always be respectful of other players and share court time fairly.
Most public courts are first-come, first-served. If others are waiting, limit your play to one hour. Some locations might have sign-up sheets for busy times.
Keep noise levels down, especially in residential areas. Pickleball can get noisy, so be mindful of neighbors.
Clean up after yourself. Don’t leave trash or empty water bottles behind. This helps keep the courts nice for everyone.
Wear proper shoes to protect the court surface. No black-soled shoes that might leave marks.
