It’s no April Fool’s joke that “pickleball” is the original name of America’s fastest-growing sport. 

When Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum invented the game using a paddle, a perforated plastic ball and a rectangular court on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965, Pritchard came up with the name referencing non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew races, according to USA Pickleball.  

People have been pickleballing ever since, and even more so in the past few years.  

Starting during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, participation in the low-impact activity spiked over 20%. April is officially National Pickleball Month, aiming to encourage more communities to celebrate the sport enjoyed by players of all ages. 

Whether you’re looking for community, clinics, tournaments or places to try pickleball for the first time, grab your paddles and friends and start dinking away at any of these public pickleball courts across Alachua County. 

GAINESVILLE 

Abby Wambach Park (4501 SW 20th Ave.) 
Courts: 6 
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily 

This popular pickleball destination offers permanent pickleball courts with nets, lighting, seating, shade and restrooms. Players may want to plan mid-day games as these courts are first-come, first-served and fill up fast during mornings and evenings before the heat and after work rushes. 

Northside Park (5701 NW 34th Blvd.) 
Courts: 4 
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily 

These permanent courts on the north side of town are another favorite spot due to their designated nets, lights, seating, shade and restrooms. The park also features tennis courts, a playground, an 18-hole disc golf course and pétanque.   

Tom Petty Park (501 NE 16th Ave.) 
Courts: 8 
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily 

These brand-new pickleball courts opened in February for public use at the park named for the Gainesville-native rock and roll icon. The courts are equipped with nets, lights and restrooms. 

Albert “Ray” Massey Park (1001 NW 34th St.) 
Courts: 3 
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 

Once the tennis courts are clear, pickleball players can set up nets on the permanent pickleball court lines. The park also offers restrooms, walking trails, baseball fields and a playground.  

Kanapaha Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41^st Place) 
Courts: 5 
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 

Players can set up their own nets at the courts painted inside the roller hockey rink. Park facilities include restrooms, trails, a playground and picnic areas.  

Trinity United Methodist Church (4000 NW 53rd Ave.) 
Courts: 6 
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily 

Once you get to the main church building, continue around the backside to the recreation complex, where you’ll find permanent pickleball courts with nets. Pastor emeritus Dan Johnson hosts a free hitting group at 9 a.m. on Thursday mornings and the church hosts various tournaments throughout the year, including one in February raising money for local organizations. 

The 300 Club (3715 NW 12th Ave.) 
Courts: 8 
Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 

The 300 Club is growing into a popular pickleball community in Gainesville. Club guests can pay $3 per visit to access the facility’s mixture of lit courts designated specifically for pickleball, with nets or pickleball court lines painted on the basketball courts ready for players to bring their own nets.  

Certified coaches offer lessons, including an introductory pickleball clinic at 6:30 p.m. on April 19. Players can pay $25 for a monthly membership, including unlimited play time, clinic access and court reservations. For a complete April events schedule, visit the club’s Facebook page. 

Jonesville Tennis Center (14080 NW 32^nd Ave.) 
Courts: 3 
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily 

Want to mix up court surfaces? This facility, located at Jonesville Park, offers clay courts great for working on sliding into those dinks. Players can access the pro shop, restrooms and water, and will need to bring a net as the pickleball lines are combined with the tennis courts. 

Alachua County Sports and Events Center (4870 Celebration Pointe Ave.) 
Courts: 21 (indoor) 
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Alachua County Sports and Events Centers offers a place of pickleball refuge from winter chills and the Florida humidity with indoor courts. After the one-time $10 free, players can use their own nets or nets provided by the facility on the permanent court lines. The Center includes other amenities like food, water, restrooms, lessons and wheelchair accessibility. 

ALACHUA 

Hal Brady Recreation Complex (14300 NW 146th Ter.) 
Courts: 6 
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily 

These pickleball courts are nestled right next to Legacy Park, with permanent lines painted on the basketball court. Players need to bring their own nets and can enjoy tournaments and regular group play starting at 9 a.m. on Saturdays with the Alachua County Pickleball Association.  

HAWTHORNE 

Hawthorne Wellness Center (6110 SE 205 St.) 
Courts: 2 
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday 

After unveiling its first permanent pickleball courts with nets in February, the city of Hawthorne is already up and running with programs and events for the sport. Any player can fill out the pickleball player contact sign-up sheet to connect with other players in the area and set up matches, practice and group play.  

The Center is also holding a free, 90-minute pickleball class with two certified coaches at 8:30 a.m. on April 11. No equipment is needed and all experience levels are welcome with an RSVP to Ciara McCord at cring@cityofhawthorne.net or call 352-481-4999. 

HIGH SPRINGS 

Civic Center (19107 NW 240th St.) 
Courts: 4 
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Alachua County’s spring hub also offers pickleball courts with permanent lines and nets. High Springs Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Applebee told Mainstreet there are no tournaments currently on the books, but a fundraiser could pop up in September.  

Coming soon 

Newberry won’t be without pickleball courts for much longer. Parks and Recreation Staff Assistant Kim Wilson said the city is looking at vendors to make outdoor courts, and that in the meantime, people can get their pickleball fix during open gym days at the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex. Historically, the complex has hosted pickleball nights on Mondays. Wilson said the summer schedule will be finalized by May. 

The West End community will also see pickleball courts pop up soon, and the Flamingo Sports Center has been approved for Archer Road, just outside the urban cluster near the Historic Haile Homestead.