Pickleball

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Pickleball is a racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) offers a variety of options for open pickleball play as well as organized tournaments and ladder leagues.

Outdoor Pickleball Courts

Looking to play Pickleball outside? We have Pickleball lined courts available in two of our parks (available for free on a first-come, first-serve basis)! 

Pickleball Programs

DPR offers Pickleball tournaments, ladders, leagues, clinics, and specials events throughout the year.

Pickleball Activity Registration

Visit ActiveNet to view our current offerings and to register 

Assigned Pickleball & Tennis Times at Bethesda Park

Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) has assigned designated times for tennis and pickleball players to share the outdoor courts.  The schedule below will run from March 8, 2023, through June 30, 2023, at which time DPR will evaluate the times and future needs.

Tennis Designated Times - Courts 1 & 2: 

  • Monday, 2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, not available
  • Thursday, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday,  2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Saturday,  2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Sunday,  7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

 Pickleball Designated Times - Courts 1,2,3,4,5,6: 

  • Monday,  7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday,  2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. (DPR Program starts Wednesday, March 14, 2023)
  • Wednesday,  7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (DPR Program starts Wednesday, March 8, 2023) 
  • Thursday, 2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
  • Friday,  7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  
  • Saturday,  7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  
  • Sunday,  2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.  

Bethesda Park Tennis/Pickleball courts will be closed for DPR Programming on December 2nd, 3rd, and 14th, 2023.  

Free Play - no permit needed

Instructions - permit required 

Note:  DPR has the ability to assign permits based on the availability of courts to minimally disturb open play for both sports and can cross over designated times.   

Indoor Drop-In Pickleball

Participants can enjoy friendly gameplay in a climate-controlled indoor setting. Indoor Pickleball will focus on the main components and learning the strategy of the game.

Durham Parks and Recreation offers drop-in indoor Pickleball at select recreation centers. Preregistration is not required.

For a full list of dates and times to play Pickleball at our Recreation Centers visit ActiveNet.

Ages City Resident Non-City Resident
16-18 $0 $5
19-54 $4 $9
55+ $3 $8

If you attend Indoor Drop-In Pickleball on a regular basis, consider purchasing a Pickleball Punch Pass. We offer multi-visit punch passes in increments of 10 visits, 25 visits, and 50 visits. Our Monthly Wellness/Open Gym Pass also includes the ability to participate in Drop-In Pickleball.


Pickleball Court Updates

Piney Wood Park

DPR's vision is to be the leading resource for recreational choices to help residents enjoy life while contributing to their health and well-being. One of our top priorities is to solicit feedback from the community on their recreation, program, and facility needs. 

DPR provides various programs for both pickleball and tennis communities to include ladder play, tournaments, leagues, and social events. Because of both sports' high demand, DPR met with the Recreation Advisory Commission and tennis and pickleball representatives to discuss program and facility needs over the past two years. 

Based on the feedback received, performing an inventory of existing athletic courts, and reviewing local and national participation trends, there is a need for a dedicated pickleball facility. To meet this need and better serve the community, DPR will convert the Piney Wood Tennis Courts to a dedicated pickleball facility. 

For updates on construction, check out our Construction Projects and Maintenance page.

Northgate Park

In 2020, we received feedback from 578 residents through a survey about Northgate Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts. Based on the feedback, respondents expressed an interest in and a need for both pickleball and tennis courts.

Currently, Northgate Park has two smaller courts that are better suited for pickup games rather than league play. DPR plans to keep one tennis court and renovate it fully and convert the other court into two pickleball courts. This modification will accommodate tennis and pickleball players by providing courts for their sport without sharing space. 

Construction is projected to be underway in 2023. Please note: DPR is planning to have two pickleball courts, however, the number of pickleball courts that can be installed will be determined when specifications are developed for this facility.