Where to Play Pickleball in Naples, Florida
Grab your paddles, it is time to play pickleball! Did you know Naples is the unofficial “Pickleball Capital of the World?” In recent years, pickleball has been taking the world by storm as it attracts people of all ages. The paddle sport combines elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis. Due to the ease and simplicity of pickleball, people feel it is a more approachable sport compared to its counterparts. The game moves faster than a traditional tennis match and takes place on a smaller court so there is less ground to cover. In fact, one tennis court almost equals four pickleball courts!
Perhaps the biggest draw to the sport, specifically in Naples, is the health benefits for seniors. While the sport has proved to have intergenerational appeal, the 65+ community has taken a strong interest in the sport. “Seniors can play with relative ease and find enjoyment, which is important as age and medical conditions may make some sports more difficult to continue as we get older,” says Dr. Edward Laskowski, a specialist in physical medicine, rehabilitation and sports medicine. In fact, a 2018 study revealed that pickleball players who played at least three days per week can expect to see improvements in fitness and heart health; namely a 12% increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, a 3.5% reduction in blood pressure and a 5% improvement in good cholesterol. Thus, it is no surprise people are flocking to the sport.
So, are you ready to hit the court? Check out our list of public pickleball courts in the Naples-area below.
East Naples Community Park—Home to the US Open Pickleball Championships, this park has a whopping 66 pickleball courts! Here you will also find the Pickleball Pro Shop and the Naples Pickleball Center. This family friendly park also features lit softball, soccer, and football fields as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and a senior center. This park truly has something for everyone.
Drop-in players are welcome for a $5 fee however, if you are interested in playing regularly there is a $50 yearly membership. The park is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Learn more here.
Fleischmann Park—Back in 2011, this was the first park in Collier County to offer pickleball! Located in the heart of Naples, this park is great for those that do not want to deal with the crowds at the larger parks. With just six courts, it can be more difficult to land a court here. Forgot to bring your paddle? Fleischmann Park will provide you with any necessary pickleball equipment.
The park is open year round and drop-ins are welcome. Memberships are available for $25 per year however, visitors are welcome to drop in with a $5 fee. If you are interested in pickleball lessons, email info@pickleballnaplesfl.com for times and fees. View court availability here.
Greater Naples YMCA—Love pickleball but not the Florida heat? The Greater Naples YMCA offers the only public indoor courts in town. Open play for beginners takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:15PM to 2:30PM. Advanced open play is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:15PM to 2:30PM.
There are just four courts so reservations are required. Click here to view dates, times, levels of play and sign up! The program is free for YMCA Members and $5 for Non-Members.
Naples Pickleball Center—Ready to start playing but wondering where to start? The Naples Pickleball Center offers group clinics, lessons, and private instruction to help get you started. Once you are feeling confident in your game play, they offer competitions and leagues to practice your new skills.
The Naples Pickleball Center is located at East Naples Community Park however they also offer their services at Veterans Community Park. Between the two parks, they have access to 80 courts. To learn more about memberships, leagues, instruction, and more, click here.
Veterans Community Park—Situated in North Naples, this is one of the busiest parks in the area thanks to the dozens of planned activities and pet-friendly areas. With eight unlit courts and six lit courts, you can enjoy playing past sundown. Check out the park hours and offerings here.
As part of the Naples Pickleball Center, there is a fee to use the courts. Play is $5 from 8AM-12PM and 5PM-8PM Monday through Friday. Enjoy free play on weekends and from 12PM to 5PM Monday through Friday. A yearly membership is $50 or $75 to belong to both Veterans and East Naples Community Parks.
Enough reading, it is time for you to hit the court! If you are looking to move to a community with private pickleball courts, Taber Tagliasacchi is the perfect real estate expert for the job. Fill out the form below to get in touch or give her a call.
Taber Tagliasacchi · 239-287-0777 · Taber@TaberNaples.com
