Pickleball

Come join us for one of America's fastest-growing sports - Pickleball! Pickleball uses hard paddles, modified whiffle balls and the lower mini tennis nets, and is a lot of fun to play for people of all ages.

Played on a badminton-sized court, Pickleball combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. You can choose to play outdoors or inside - wherever there is a net, some paddles and a Pickleball. While the game is popular with seniors, some of the best players in the nation are under 18 and the sport is quickly gaining traction as a fun way to get the heart pumping and fuel that competitive spirit.

Guidelines and Skill Ratings

Open Play vs. First Come - First Play

Open Play is a Drop-in session in which players simply drop in, without advance reservations, to play other Drop-in players.

The term used in pickleball to designate playing times that are open for players of all skill levels and years of experience to mix together to have fun playing pickleball. In Open Play, competition takes a back seat to the social aspects of meeting people, making everyone feel welcome, and enjoying this beautiful game the way the game’s creators envisioned it: fun for everyone.

During open play, if 6 players are waiting, players will play 9 points instead of 11 points. After a game is over, all 4 playing players will switch out to allow 4 new players a game.

Any other time that is not scheduled for “open play” as defined in the example above will be “First Come-First play”.

First Come-First Play describes a situation whereby customers play pickleball in the order in which they arrive, those who arrive first play first.

Skill Ratings

Ever wanted to know how well your skills stack up against other players? Want to make sure you aren't taking on a game against others who are much more or less better than you are? That's where Skill Ratings come in.

Skill Ratings allow you to determine how advanced your playing skill happens to be - without the need of someone else evaluating your skills. With a simple number, you can determine if you want to get involved in a certain game based on your opponent's skill level.

Download the Skill Ratings Information Sheet

Indoor Pickleball Courts & Calendar

Indoor courts have specific times for use of the court. Click on the individual date events for more information on each facility.

All Community Centers are Open Play at this time

Open Play is a Drop-In session in which players simply drop-in, without advanced reservations, to play other drop-in players.
The term "Open Play" is used in pickleball to designate playing times that are open for players of all skill levels and years of experience to mix together to have fun playing pickleball, In Open Play, competitition takes a back seat to the social aspects of meeting people, making everyone feel welcome.

Open Play locations and phone numbers

Jack McLean: (850) 891-2505 (3 courts)
Walker-Ford: (850) 891-3970 (3 courts)

To subscribe to the Pickleball calendar on your mobile device, click the plus icon in the calendar view above or visit the Google Calendar page.

Outdoor Pickleball Courts

Tom Brown Park - 4 Courts

Tom Brown Park offers both monitored and non-monitored times. During monitored times, there is a fee to play pickleball.
Monitored times include:

Monday - Thursday: 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am - 12:00pm

Court Reservations and Fees

To reserve a court you must call Forestmeadows at 850-891-4940
For General pickleball information, call 850-891-4979

Singles - $5.25
Singles Senior - $4.25
Doubles - $4.00
Doubles Senior - $3.25

During non-monitored hours you cannot reserve courts.
There are no court fees at Tom Brown Park for Tennis or Pickleball during non-monitored hours.

Open Play at Tom Brown Park

Open Play is a Drop-in session in which players simply drop in, without advance reservations, to play other Drop-in players.

A few guidelines for Open Play pickleball are below:

Open play is generally played with doubles games being played.
Players will use the “RACK” to identify what order each person will go on the court.
Players will Play up to 11 points win by 2 if less the 6 players are waiting to play.
Once the courts are full, the players will continue to use the “RACK” to make sure the next game moves into position quickly.
If 6 players are waiting, players will play 9 points instead of 11 points. After a game is over, all 4 playing players will switch out to allow 4 new players a game.

Note: All reservation payments must be made before play at the monitor station next to court Tennis Court 5.
For more iformation please email Lenin Mongerie.

Other Outdoor Courts

All outdoor courts (excluding Tom Brown) are "First Come - First Play" at this time.

Jack L. McLean Courts - 700 Paul Russell Road
2 courts with adjustable net straps and painted lines. Bring your own paddles and balls.
Lafayette Park - 501 Ingleside Drive
Net tie-downs, paddles and balls available inside the Sue McCollum Community Center only during regular office hours.
LeVerne Payne Community Center - 450 West 4th Avenue
2 courts with adjustable net straps and painted lines. Bring your own paddles and balls.
Jake Gaither - 801 Bragg Drive
2 courts
Walker-Ford - 2301 Pasco Street
3 courts - Nighttime play is available.