Where to Play Pickleball in the Triangle

Pickleball is taking off in the Triangle! If you’re looking to join in on the fun, you’ll have plenty of choice. See here for a comprehensive list of the best places to play pickleball in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

Considered to be one of the newest and most exciting sports out there, pickleball combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be played on a court much like a tennis court, and is ideal for people of all ages and abilities.

Pickleball is growing rapidly in popularity. A new report by the Association of Pickleball Professionals reveals that more than 36.5 million people played pickleball between August 2021 and 2022. Additionally, data from Pickleheads, a provider of pickleball court information, indicates that approximately 10,320 facilities across the United States have both indoor and outdoor courts.

Pickleball has become an increasingly popular sporting activity even across the Triangle cities, particularly for older citizens who can benefit from its relatively low-impact motions. As a less strenuous alternative to other racquet sports such as tennis and squash,Triangle residents are praising pickleball as an enjoyable and rewarding way to stay fit while socializing.

Pickleball is also easily accessible and affordable and can be enjoyed in both indoor and outdoor locations during any season. Free introductory classes are available at many local community centers, making it easy for anyone to participate.

Rules of Pickleball

Pickleball combines elements of racquet sports and is played on a court with a perforated miniature ball. Points are earned by the serving team when the other side commits a fault.

This exciting sport can be enjoyed by two or four people and involves hitting a ball with a paddle over a net. During game play, players must not step inside the non-volley zone close to the net andthe game is over when one player achieves 11 points.

Where to Play Pickleball in the Triangle

As the amount of players grows, so does the number of courts across the cities. The following courts are among the most sought-after in the area:

Courts in Raleigh

Method Road Community Center
Address: 514 Method Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
Courts: 6 outdoor courts
Membership: Not required
Cost: Free to play
Reservation: Courts cannot be reserved

This park in the local area boasts an indoor basketball court, three pickleball courts, and one volleyball court. There is a concrete basketball court and six illuminated pickleball courts for outdoor sports. Little ones can enjoy the playground equipment designed for ages 2-12, as well as a small baseball field and a large multipurpose field. This venue also offers convenient parking.

The Bucket at North Hills Park
Address: 100 Chowan Cir, Raleigh, NC, 27609, USA
Courts: 6 outdoor courts
Membership: Not required
Cost: Free to play
Reservation: Courts cannot be reserved

This is a beautiful setting for a peaceful game of pickleball. It also featured a playground with new and updated equipment, a sand area, slides, climbing structures, a spinning chair, and a spinning swing.Plus, there are plenty of shady areas and covered picnic spots, making it the perfect place for the family to enjoy a day out.

Courts in Durham

Garrett Road Park
Address: 6815 Garrett Rd, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
Courts: 6 outdoor courts
Membership: Not required
Cost: free to play
Reservation: Reservations are available online

Located in South Durham, Garrett Road Park is a 7.64-acre area offering tennis and pickleball courts, a picnic shelter, a playground, and art installations. There is also a picnic shelter available for use at this park, making it a perfect spot to break from pickleball and relax.

Forest Hills Park
Address: 1639 University Dr, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
Courts: 4 outdoor courts
Membership: Not required
Cost: free to play
Reservation: Reservations are available online

Forest Hills Park is a beautiful, rustic-feeling venue to play pickleball in. This 45.86-acre park is located in East Central Durham and offers a free sprayground to cool off in during warm weather (May-October), a seasonal outdoor pool, a picnic shelter, and athletic courts.

The park was originally part of a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse, and pool founded in the 1920s, which was later donated to the city in 1938 with the stipulation that it become a public library.

Courts in Chapel Hill

Ephesus Park
Address: 1501 Ephesus Church Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Courts: 6 outdoor courts
Membership: Not required
Cost: $10 per hour per court during the day and $20 per hour per court with lights in the evenings. Non-residents must pay a slightly higher fee of $20 and $24, respectively.
Reservation: Reservations are available online

Ephesus Park pickleball courts are open from dawn to 10 p.m. The courts are available for rental, and there is a paved parking lot with restroom facilities.

Southern Community Park
Address: 1000 Sumac Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Courts: 5 outdoor courts
Membership: Not required
Cost: $10 per hour, per court during the day and $20 per hour, per court with lights in evenings. Non-residents must pay a slightly higher fee of $20 and $24, respectively.
Reservation: Reservations are available online

This venue is open from dawn to dusk and offers a variety of rental opportunities alongside pickleball courts, such as fields, picnic shelters, and an inline hockey court. The park also features athletic fields, a basketball court, a disk golf course, two-acre dog park, and a 1.1-mile Fan Branch Trail and Fitness Course equipped with Barrs Recreation and ExoFit Outdoor Fitness equipment.

There is convenient parking, and restrooms are available at the north entrance.

Pickleball Clinics and Groups in the Triangle

Players in the Triangle cities interested in improving their pickleball skills can take advantage of specialized training, development sessions, and knowledge of the game at one of the area’s many clinics.

Raleigh NC Pickleball

This facility is managed by the Raleigh Pickleball Advisory Group (RPAG), which was formed in early 2019 with the mission to make Raleigh the finest and most inclusive pickleball city in the United States. This diverse group of players, representing all parts of the city and of varying levels and skills, regularly works with other community leaders to increase the number of places to play, both indoor and outdoor, public and private.

Pickleball instruction is currently being given each Wednesday morning at Lake Lynn Community Center, with eight students per clinic and weekly rotations of subjects, starting with an introduction and progressing through improved serve and returns of serve, dinking, lobs, and proper positioning.

Durham Area Pickleball Players

Durham Area Pickleball Players (DAPP) is a not-for-profit organization in Durham, NC established in 2020 to promote the enjoyment of pickleball among a diverse, friendly community of players of all ages and skill levels. They offer a wealth of classes and clinics to help beginners get stuck into the game.

Chapel Hill Pickleball

Chapel Hill Pickleball is an enthusiastic and inclusive group of 850 regular Pickleball players of all ages, ranging from 8 to 85, who play daily and warmly welcome players of all skill levels. With an equal zeal for experienced players and patience and humor for beginners, Chapel Hill Pickleball is an ideal place to join in the fun and get involved in classes and training sessions.

Pickleball Equipment

The beauty of pickleball is in its simplicity; all you really need to get started is a paddle, ball and bag to keep everything together.

When buying pickleball equipment, always make sure to look for items that are made from quality materials and are well-constructed.

Pickleball paddles are typically made out of wood, graphite, or composite materials. They come in various shapes and sizes, and are designed to help players hit the ball with more accuracy and power. The paddles should be light and balanced.

Picklehead’s recommendation for pickleball paddles is the niupipo Pickleball Paddle Set.

Pickleball balls are usually made of plastic and are typically a little larger than a tennis ball. They come in various colors and weights, and their bounce and flight path depend on the type of ball that is used. Pickleball balls should be made from quality materials and have a consistent bounce.

Onix pickleball balls are recommended for their light weight and great durability.

Pickleball bags are designed to carry pickleball paddles, balls, and other gear. They usually have compartments for each item, making it easy to store and transport your equipment. A good bag should be sturdy and provide adequate space for the items inside.

A recommendation is the striking New Atletico bag.