Do you know that it has been 57 years since pickleball was invented? You may have noticed that as of lately, the sport that combines traditional tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, has become a big dill.
In honor of National Pickleball Month (April), we’re sharing some places around central Indiana where you can get your pickled paddle on.
Highland Golf & Country Club, 1050 W. 52nd St. | There are six outdoor asphalt courts with permanent lines and nets. The facility includes amenities like restrooms, food, and water. A membership is required to play + you can reserve the courts.
Zip City, 6650 Bluff Rd. | This south side facility replaced its indoor soccer field with nine top-of-the-line indoor pickleball courts. Reservations can be made online for $25 per hour.
West Indy Racquet Club, 4458 Guion Rd. | WIRC is a tennis + pickleball facility with six indoor and six outdoor tennis courts with blended pickleball court lines. Pro tip: It allows members and nonmembers to play — guests pay a daily guest fee.
WIRC has court rentals available daily with covered court backups in case of rain or wind.
Photo by @westindyracquetclub
Broad Ripple Park | There are four outdoor courts at Broad Ripple Park — but if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can find three lined courts inside the Family Center. The nets are portable. There is a drop-in fee to play.
Meadowlark Park, Carmel | This Carmel Clay Park just recently got some upgrades, including four pickleball courts, a new playground, and picnic and shade shelters.
Carmel Racquet Club, Carmel | This facility offers pickleball memberships for $100 per year. Pro tip: Join a Friday night adult pickleball party from 6-9 p.m. for $10 for members or $12 for nonmembers — beginners are welcomed.
Stephens Park, Brownsburg | This 3.2-acre neighborhood park features six pickleball courts. Bonus: There’s also a year-round restroom on the grounds.
Greenwood Fieldhouse, Greenwood | Looking to play indoors? This gymnasium features four newly lined pickleball courts. Pickleball is in play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Kephart Park, Bargersville | This is the newest in the Bargersville Park system and it features eight pickleball courts, a splash pad, playground, green space, walking trails, and picnic shelters. Courts are first come, first served.
Do you have a favorite home court that we didn’t mention? Let us know.
Here’s what you said:
“Indianapolis Racquet Club offers pickleball and lessons at its East facility with 16 indoor courts available year-round.” — Julia C.
“Jewish Community Center (JCC) on Hoover Road is a good place to play pickleball as well.” — Henry C.
“Lee Road Park, located on the northern entrance of Fort Ben.” — Jeffrey V.
“JCC has indoor pickleball courts open every day — hours vary.” Joan G.
In pickleball, a dink shot is a soft shot hit on a bounce or out of the air (dink volley) from the NVZ.
Rendering by @thedinkhousecarmel
Coming Soon
The Dink House, Carmel | A new pickleball “country club” is coming to the former Horton Fan Factory building on the Monon Greenway in Carmel later this month. The facility will have eight indoor cushioned courts and a players lounge. Membership tiers start at $900 annually, plus initiation fees, but non-members can rent courts for $40 per hour.
Freedom Park, Greenwood | The City of Greenwood announced its plans to open a $1.3 million 16-court pickleball facility at Freedom Park in late spring 2024 — which will make it the largest pickleball complex in Johnson County. It will be located north of the Freedom Springs Aquatic Park + will have the ability to host pickleball tournaments.
The Picklr, 3810 E. 82nd St. | Picklr’s first Indiana club will celebrate its grand opening this summer. The 30,000-sqft club will feature 10 indoor courts, a pro shop, private event space, leagues, tournaments, youth academies, and open play. It’s the first of more than five clubs to open in the Indy area.
Chicken N Pickle, Fishers | Missouri-based chain Chicken N Pickle said it plans to expand to Indiana with a Fishers location (east of I-69 between 106th and 116th streets) in 2025. The entertainment complex will feature bars, multiple dining areas on the main floor and rooftop, plus outdoor tables, numerous indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and a variety of lawn games.
