Pickleball

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 courts have specific times and types of play Many require reservations and some charge a small fee for use of the court. Click on the individual events for more information on each facility.

The following 15 courts are available for indoor play:

• Sue Herndon McCollum Community Center (3)
• Tallahassee Senior Center (2)
• Walker-Ford Community Center (3)
• Jake Gaither Community Center (1)
• Jack L. McLean Community Center (3)
• Lawrence-Gregory Community Center (3)
• Lincoln Center (1)

Tom Brown Park - 4 Courts

Tom Brown Park offers both monitored and non-monitored times. During monitored times, there is a fee to use the courts - while non-monitored times do not include a fee. Monitored times include:

• Monday - Thursday: 5:30 - 9:00pm
• Saturday: 8:00am - 2:30pm

Court Reservations and Fees

During monitored hours, you may reserve a court by calling Tom Brown Park at 850-891-3966. During non-monitored hours, you may reserve a court by calling Forestmeadows at 850-891-4940. The fees listed below are for monitored times only and are per person for 90 minutes of play:

• Regular Rates - $5.00 for Singles | $3.75 for Doubles
• Senior (62+), Students (with valid ID) and Youth (under 18) - $4.25 for Singles | $3.25 for Doubles

Other Outdoor Courts

All outdoor courts (except Tom Brown) are "First Come - First Play"

• 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.
• Hilaman Tennis Courts - 2737 Blairstone Road
  2 courts with adjustable net straps and painted lines. Bring your own paddles and balls. Nighttime play is available.
• Jake Gaither - 801 Bragg Drive
  2 courts
• Walker-Ford - 2301 Pasco Street
  3 courts - Nighttime play is available.