Practice Your Serve at These Six Pickleball Courts around Boston
Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned pro.
Photo by RichLegg/Getty Images
If you’re looking for a new hobby to pass the time, are just trying to get out of the house and breath some fresh air, or are already a die-hard pickleball fan, this guide is for you. The low-key paddleball game has exploded in popularity over the last couple of years, thanks no doubt to a renewed interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic. The game is a funky combination of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong, and the rules are easy enough to learn if you decide to take a whack at it. Played with two or four players, participants underhand hit the small Wiffle ball diagonally towards the opposing side, where the ball must bounce once before players can attempt to return it, and the first team to reach 11 points with a two-point lead wins the match.
For more information on how to play, you can read the official pickleball rulebook here. If you think you’re ready to get in on the pickleball craze or are a current player who is looking for some new terrain, then grab your paddle and head over to one of these six Boston-area courts for an afternoon of entertainment.
PKL Boston
The mammoth 22,000 square foot space, located at the Iron Works in South Boston, might be the pickleball haven of your dreams. The site includes five pickleball courts, complete with personal cabanas for you and your friends to relax in between games and enjoy refreshing cocktails and food. Players can also sign up for lessons, join leagues, or compete in tournaments through the website. The location will have available parking and is an 11-minute walk from the Broadway Red Line MBTA stop.
64 C St., South Boston, playpkl.com.
Jean B. Waldstein Playground
This six-acre park was first acquired by the town of Brookline in 1901. Since then, a playground, basketball court, baseball diamond, and eight pickleball/tennis courts have been built for community use. The park is a quick five-minute walk from the Beaconsfield Green Line MBTA stop, and is also accessible by car. There are bathrooms and picnic tables available for public use, which are perfect for eating a post-game snack and dissecting the particulars of your game with your opponents. The park is also dog-friendly, so feel free to have your furry friend in attendance at your next pickleball tournament—just don’t let her run away with the ball.
1 Strathmore Rd., Brookline, brooklinema.gov.
Evans Field
Only a two-minute drive away from historic Castle Island, this South Boston park has a range of sports facilities including a softball field, hockey rink, and (of course) pickleball courts. Evans Field is easily accessible by bus or car. The park is also close by to both Pleasure Bay and M Street Beach if you start hankering for a swim after a particularly vigorous pickleball match.
Shore Rd., South Boston, urbnparks.com.
Somerville YMCA
If you’re new to pickleball, the courts at the Somerville YMCA are a perfect place to start. The YMCA supplies all players with the required pickleball equipment, so there’s no need to buy a racket and balls for your first try. The courts are free to use for members and $14 Day Passes are available for purchase by non-members. The pickleball courts are open on a first come first serve basis on Mondays from 12-1:30 p.m., and Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 12-2 p.m. The Somerville YMCA has free parking for guests and is a 12-minute walk from the closest bus station.
101 Highland Ave., Somerville, somervilleymca.org.
South Street Courts and Mall
Although this public spot appears small, it’s a great location to give playing pickleball a try or brush up on your serve. The Jamaica Plain spot recently had six pickleball courts added to the existing tennis and basketball courts over the pandemic. The South Street Courts are less than a minute walk from a bus stop and are next to street parking spots. If you need a break between matches, run across the street to Fiore’s Bakery to grab a quick sandwich to refuel.
52 South St., Jamaica Plain, urbnparks.com.
Fallon Field
This plot of green space includes a play structure, a street hockey rink, and a single pickleball court. However, there’s no need to fret if you have to wait your turn to play thanks to a plethora of restaurant options in the area, and the Franklin Park Zoo and Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary only an eight-minute drive away. Visitors can take the bus or use street parking while they enjoy the outdoor space.
910 South St., Roslindale, urbnparks.com
Warren Field
Located in the Fisher Hill neighborhood of Brookline, Warren Field offers 11 acres of outdoor space complete with walking paths, batting cages, a splash pad, and pickleball courts. The park also offers public picnic tables and drinking fountains. Bring along a pickleball group to play with or make a new acquaintance or two on one of the six courts offered. The area has a public parking lot and is a 12-minute walk from the Reservoir stop on the MBTA Green Line.
294 Dean Rd., Brookline, urbnparks.com
