Jhe sport of pickleball has quickly grown in popularity for its fun twist on traditional racquet sports like tennis and ping pong. People of all ages can play – some tennis players I know have mixed it into their training routine just for fun. Even athletes from other sports like NBA star Kevin Durant have joined the craze.
North Texas, home of the Texas Open Pickleball Championship, has fully embraced the sport. So, for those looking to pick up a paddle, we’re highlighting the best places to play pickleball in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Local courts
Cole Park
Right in the heart of Uptown, this public park recently transformed a handful of its tennis courts into six pickleball courts. Be sure to claim your spot early as the courts are usually full whenever I drive by, usually on weekends and weeknights.
McLeland Tennis Center
In Fort Worth, this local tennis center offers Open Play for pickleball (free for members and $5 for non-members) Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:30 p.m. at 21h.
The McKinney Courts
This McKinney tennis center also offers Open Play on weekends from 6 to 9 p.m. for the same price.
Fretz Tennis Center
Head to North Dallas to play at one of Fretz’s three pickleball courts, available for open play Tuesday through Friday afternoons (3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.). The price is $5 for non-members.
Play and eat/drink
Chicken and pickle
In Grand Prairie (and soon in Grapevine), this indoor/outdoor entertainment complex is also a restaurant and sports bar. Aside from a few garden games, the main attraction here is pickleball. There are 11 pickleball courts that you can reserve in advance. The spot also offers Open Play, free clinics on the first Saturday of every month, and classes.
Courtyard kitchen
This pickleball complex and kitchen is located in Fort Worth. If you are new to the sport, you can sign up for classes. But if you’re already a pro or just like to play, subscriptions are available. A Priority Membership gives you priority reservations (courts reserved up to 10 days in advance), access to members-only events, and more.
Become a member
Brookhaven Country Club, T Bar M Racquet Club, Bent Tree Country Club, Oasis Pickleball and Tennis Club, and so many other local places now offer pickleball to their members.
