Pickleball is a sport that is easy to learn, addictive to play and great for all ages. All around Indianapolis, you’ll see proof of how quickly pickleball is gaining popularity by the number of pickleball courts there are in parks and recreation centers around central Indiana, and the many people who enjoy playing this sport. In fact, there are more than 4.8 million pickelball players in the U.S., according to a 2022 report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Here’s what you need to know about this racquet sport, and where you can play in Indy!
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What is Pickleball?
According to the USA Pickleball Association, pickleball is:
- A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
- Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
- Played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
- Played as doubles or singles.
- Can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.
What Equipment Do You Need for Pickleball?
In order to play pickleball, each player will need a:
- Pickleball paddle. These are smaller than tennis racquets but larger than ping-pong paddles. Pickleball paddles are lightweight and can be made out of materials such as wood, aluminum or graphite.
- Pickleball ball. The ball comes in multiple colors, it’s lightweight, and it has holes in it, similar to a wiffle ball. There are different ball models, depending on whether you will be playing pickleball indoors or outdoors. In order to meet official pickleball specification, pickleball balls must be a solid color, according to the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP).
- Pickleball court and net. Most people don’t have the desire, means or space to create a pickleball court in their backyard. So if you want to play, you’ll have to find a pickleball court! And it’s not enough to play on a tennis court, either. Although pickleball courts look similar to tennis courts, pickleball courts are smaller: 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, compared to tennis courts, which are 60 feet wide and 120 feet long.
Where to Find Pickleball Courts Around Indianapolis:
Pickleball is gaining popularity, so pickleball courts are starting to pop up all over central Indiana! Here are some places around Indy where you can play pickleball:
Cyntheanne Park
12383 Cyntheanne Rd., Fishers
This northeast Fishers park offers free public courts for this unique sport. The park is now home to eight pickleball courts and Hamilton County’s only public outdoor courts.
Craig Park
10 E. Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood
This Greenwood recreational hub has 7 pickleball courts that are free to the public.
Finch Creek Park
16233 Boden Rd., Noblesville
You’ll find 4 lighted pickleball courts that are perfect for playing in the evening.
Heritage Trail Park
4050 S. 875 E., Zionsville
The two basketball courts at this park are lined for pickleball. Because the new pickleball court at Heritage Trail Park is also a dual-purpose basketball court, players visiting this location will need to bring their own net.
Lawrence Inlow Park
6310 E. Main St., Carmel
Another newly remodeled Carmel park, Inlow park has 2 pickleball courts.
Lions ParkÂ
11053 Sycamore St., Zionsville
The two tennis courts at this Zionsville park are lined for pickleball.
Main Street Park
4286 S. Main St., Whitestown
This neighborhood park has one pickleball court that’s open to the public.
Meadowlark Park
450 Meadow Ln., Carmel
The newly remodeled downtown Carmel park has 4 pickleball courts.
Stephens Park
605 Stephen Dr., Brownsburg
This neighborhood park on the west side of Indy has 6 pickleball courts.
Private Facilities With Pickelball Courts
Bridgewater Club
3535 E. 161st St., Carmel
Indiana’s largest private country club, The Bridgewater Club, recently constructed six new pickleball courts in their outdoor recreation space.
The Monon Community Center
1195 Central Park Dr. W., Carmel
The Monon Center has 3 to 6 pickelball courts available, depnding on schedule. Classes and pickup games are offered.
Greenwood Community Center
100 Surina Way, Greenwood
There are 4 indoor wood courts at this community center with permanent lines and portable nets. A one-time fee is required to play. The courts cannot be reserved.
Pickle on Penn
11575 N Pennsylvania St, Carmel
A state-of-the-art facility featuring eight indoor pickleball courts, restaurant and pub, retail shop and a range of membership levels suitable for all levels.
