The Best Places to Play Pickleball in St. Petersburg, FL
Let’s face it, when you think of the Sunshine State, you probably think of beaches and sunshine. But hidden beneath that beautiful beach sun is a thriving city filled with great people who care about each other and their community. Wherever you go in St. Petersburg Florida, you can expect to find its unique charm. The historic district, known as Old Town, all of the pubs and restaurants, and the aquarium are just some of the places that make this a special place to live. You won’t find an over-saturation of tourist traps here like you might in other Florida cities, so instead we have a small town feel where it feels like everyone knows your name. But there’s an activity whose popularity is booming in St. Pete: pickleball.
Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, with the net being used to keep the balls from bouncing away. It is a great way for families and friends to get out and exercise while having a good time. The game has also been proven to be an excellent way to improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times. With its growing popularity and increasing demand for more places to play the game, pickleball courts are popping up in communities like St. Pete, and across the US and Canada. The courts are becoming increasingly common in urban parks with the goal of bringing more activity to public outdoor areas, and the sport is played by people of all skill levels and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The rules are relatively simple and it is easy to pick up for first-time players, or those looking for a new way to spend their leisure time outside.
Lake Vista Recreation Center
In addition to nice pickleball facilities, walking trails, a basketball court, and skate park, the Lake Vista Recreation Center is also the home of the first outdoor fitness center in St. Petersburg, so you can stay in shape year-round. The City of St. Pete Parks & Recreation Department also provides free and confidential services to the public, including water safety training and other safety initiatives. It is located at 1401 62nd Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL.
Roberts Recreation Center
The original Roberts Youth Center was dedicated to the youth of our city by Mrs. R. W. Roberts in memory of her husband. With thousands of square feet of space, this facility is perfect for small group meetings and parties, and of course, pickleball. The second story is dedicated more to adult programming, such as the dance room, soundproof music room, pottery and social activities. The second story balcony overlooks the beautiful gymnasium, which houses several basketball and pickleball leagues, some of which have been in this center for over ten years. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon or a serious tournament, the Roberts Recreation Center has the pickleball equipment and experience to help you have a great time. The facility is wheelchair accessible and has a variety of available activities for all ages. The facility is located at 1426 50th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL.
Booker Creek Park
Booker Creek Park is home to many activities, but pickleball might be the most popular. This place has two indoor courts and two outdoor courts. You can come here to play pickleball, table tennis, volleyball and basketball. They have a game room for the kids, a fitness center and a swimming pool. There is also a large field for activities and events. The park is located at 2300 13th Avenue North.
Fossil Park Sports Complex
Fossil Park is a beautiful outdoor space in St. Petersburg. The complex houses a great pickleball facility with indoor courts. At the pickleball courts in Fossil Park, you enjoy fun games with friends and family. Choose from a variety of courts including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. With courts located in a quiet and scenic area, you can enjoy a game in peace. Plus, their courteous and professional staff is ready to help with all your questions. It is located at 6635 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Street.
Coquina Key Sports Complex
Coquina Key Sports Complex is one of St. Petersburg’s best places to play pickleball. This course has six pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts and a swimming pool and playground. This is a private facility. To get in, you have to join the community association. There may be a per person membership fee. This gets you access to all activities and amenities, including pickleball. It is located at 3595 Locust Street Southeast in St. Petersburg.
Crescent Lake Park
The Crescent Lake Park facility is perfect for beginners or those who want to improve their skills. The court is small and easy to play on, so you can focus on getting a good score or just having a ball. There’s also plenty of parking to ensure you can get back to focusing on the important things in life: family and friends. The facility is located at 1320 5th Street North.
Walter Fuller Recreation Center
Whether you’re looking for a single-player game or a tournament with friends, Walter Fuller pickleball is a solution for you. We offer a state-of-the-art pickleball center with a beautiful outdoor court, Walter Fuller Recreation Center has two outdoor sand volleyball courts and one outdoor pickleball court. It also has a public swimming pool that is open all year long. This park has plenty of shaded areas and grassy areas. You can bring your kids here to play, or you can do some light workouts. There is a walking trail that loops around the park. Walter Fuller Recreation Center is located at 7891 26th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL.
Campbell Park Recreation Center
Campbell Park Recreation Center is a big park in St. Petersburg. It has many different amenities. Campbell Park is home to two outdoor sand volleyball courts and one pickleball court. There is also a large pool at the park. During the summer, the pool is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The park is also host to many events. This is a great place to meet other pickleball players. It is located at 601 14th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33710.
J.W Cate Recreation Center
Looking for a place to socialize with friends and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun? Look no further than the J.W. Cate Recreation Center in Pinellas County. With an over 20,000 sq. ft. gym, four program rooms and a multipurpose room, this center is perfect for pickleballers of all ages. The courts are public, although reservations are encouraged, as courts may be reserved for special activities, like youth or senior tournaments. Other features include offices, youth lockers, public restrooms and a full-size kitchen. The program rooms are divided among teen activities, art programs, before and after-school programs and a variety of classes taught by professionals in their field. The center is located at 5801 22nd Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL.
Gladden Park Recreation Center
Looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your downtime? Look no further than Gladden Park. This beautiful facility houses a gymnasium, dance room, and one large room that can be divided into two smaller spaces. With two pickleball courts, shuffleboard, and fitness zone, there are organized tournaments often, as well as league play. Plus, with a quick visit, you can enjoy all of the other great amenities the center has to offer, including: kid’s programs, adult programs, interactive events, and more. The park is located at 3901 30th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL.
Lazarillo Park
Lazarillo Park is a 3.9 acre recreational area in the St. Pete area. The park has four tennis and one pickleball court with blended lines, a picnic pavilion, and a playground. There is also parking for up to 30 cars, and the area is wheelchair accessible. This resort town is a Florida resort city set on a barrier island, west of St. Petersburg. It’s known for its beaches. A 1928 landmark, the pink Moorish-style Don CeSar Hotel looms over the shore. The Pass-A-Grille area offers galleries, shops and the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, which displays postcards and other artifacts in a 1917 church. The Pass-A-Grille area has a variety of restaurants and shops, making it the perfect place to kick off your vacation. If you’re a sports fan, you won’t want to miss out on a game at the nearby Don CeSar Park, home of the St. Pete Pelicans. Nearby, boats depart to Shell Key, a nesting site for seabirds and turtles. The courts are located at 224 DeBazen Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706.
