Where To Play Pickleball in South Florida

South Florida - Pickleball
South Florida - Pickleball

If you go to parks or recreation centers like the YMCA in South Florida, chances are you’ve noticed a new sport that resembles tennis. However, that’s not tennis – it’s pickleball.  

If your first thought was tennis, you probably caught yourself wondering why the contestants were playing the game so wrong. Well, it’s most definitely not tennis but it’s still sweeping the nation. Let’s answer the question: Where Can I Play Pickleball in South Florida? 

What is This New Thing Called Pickleball? 

Before we tell you where to play it, it’s important to note just what this strange new game is. While it seems like a new sport and has only recently gained popularity, the game of pickleball has actually been a thing since 1965. 

Bill Bell, Barney McCallum, and Joel Pritchard started the game to entertain a group of bored children. They began with a set of easy rules and some handmade equipment. 

In short order, a new game was born – pickleball. Since then, the sport has grown throughout the US to boast over 8,000 courts. What’s more? Clubs have begun to spread internationally as well. Pickleball even has its own governing body in the US: USA Pickleball. 

At its core, Pickleball is a type of paddleball game, similar in ways to badminton, tennis, racquetball, and table tennis. 

South Florida - Pickleball

Where Do I Learn to Play Pickleball in South Florida? 

As new as the sport seems to be, there are pickleball leagues in South Florida where you can get personal coaching on the sport. The leagues also hold tournaments that you can join once you’re up to speed on the game.  

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One league is known as the Pickleball Fire. And another such league is called South Florida Pickleball Academy. These are two perfect places in which you can get information and begin learning to play the sport.  

Where in South Florida Can I Play Pickleball? 

Below we’ll unpack three places in South Florida to get you started on your pickleball journey.  

  • Pickleball at Boynton Beach Caloosa Park – located near Woolbright Road in Boynton Beach, Florida, this part boasts eight courts. Play times vary and the only definitive times are on Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 12 noon. 
  • Pickleball Courts at Bamford Park – Located in Davie, Florida on South Pine Island Rd, Bamford Park features lighted courts, free to use. They also feature occasional tournaments. They’re open Monday through Friday 5 PM-9 PM and Saturday 8 AM-12 noon. Bring your own gear. 
  • Collins Community Center Pickleball Courts – located on NE 3rd in Oakland Park at the Florida Collins Community Center, this location is actively seeking new players. This center offers free paddles and balls. Although you must bring your ID and some form of collateral. The court schedule is Wednesday from 6 PM to 9 PM and Saturday 9 AM-11:30 AM. 

Be sure and stay up to speed on all the hot spots and sweet destinations in Florida. If you are heading to Central Florida, get all the great Pickleball locations (here). 

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