Roundup: Public Basketball Courts

Way more fun than the treadmill. Basketball photo via Shutterstock

Sorry, treadmill devotees, but it’s hard to beat a good, old fashioned pick-up basketball game in terms of a challenging-but-fun workout. Even if you left your college intramural team behind years ago, there are plenty of places around the city to shoot hoops.

Back Bay Fens

This scenic park contains two basketball courts just steps away from its turf field and outdoor track, which are also open to the public on a first come, first served basis. A word to the wise: The courts are often full on weekends and after work, so it’s a good idea to show up at off-hours if possible.

Park Drive at Jersey Drive, Boston; cityofboston.gov.

Southwest Corridor Park

You can find a total of seven basketball courts along the route of this 4.7-mile string of parks that stretches from the Back Bay to Forest Hills. And since bike and running paths run the length of the park, if one court is full, it’s easy to get to the next.

Headquarters address is 38 New Heath St., Jamaica Plain, 617-727-0057; mass.gov.

Devotion Park

The park boasts three lively, and often full courts, which are among the largest in the city. One hoop is even low enough for young children to play on easily.

Harvard Street, Brookline.

Peters Park

This South End park comes with one huge perk—outdoor lighting—so it’s great for the post-work player. The two courts are home to everything from youth leagues to skills clinics to classic pick-up games and casual players shooting around.

1277 Washington St., Boston; peterspark.org.

Malcolm X Park

After Celtics point guard Rajon Rando raised $76,000 for upgrades to Boston’s public basketball scene, the courts at this historic park were selected as some that would get a major face-lift and much-needed repairs.

Dale Street, Roxbury.

Basketball City

If you want something a little more organized than the helter-skelter system at your local park, head to Basketball City. You can rent courts for a game of pick-up sans public court waiting times, join an adult league, or sign the kids up for youth leagues and camps.

35 Lomasney Way, Boston, 617-742-6700; basketballcity.com.

Titus Sparrow Park

This South End park has one basketball court (next to the tennis court), open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s a great place to bring the kids, too, because there are youth basketball workshops every Thursday evening.

West Newton Street between Huntington and Columbus avenues, Boston; titussparrowpark.org.

Nazzaro Center

The Nazzaro Center, a community center for families located in the North End, houses a basketball court in addition to multipurpose rooms, a weight room, and a senior center. It’s also close to the Mirabella Pool, so you can take a dip post-game.

30 North Bennett St., Boston; nazzarobcyf.com.

Know of another great place to play? Tell us in the comments.