Today is kind of a big dill: It’s #NationalPickleDay! At APF, we’re celebrating the holiday with a healthy debate over which pickles are the best – some say Bubbies while others say Claussen. But we can all agree on one thing: pickles are good.
While you ponder your personal pickle pick, we hope you’ll enjoy this pickle-adjacent topic: pickleball! As America’s fastest growing sport (you read that right!), pickleball’s popularity stems from the fact that anyone can play – from young kids to grandparents and everyone in between.
The gear needed: paddle, pickleball. And before you buy either, stop by a pickleball court and chat with those playing–they’ll likely be excited to help you learn the basics!
Here are five parks around Austin where you can “relish” in the fun of this growing sport.
Rosewood Neighborhood Park
Located in East Austin, this park is rich with history. You can spend hours exploring the park or head straight to the courts.
Park here and you’ll see the multi-purpose tennis/pickleball courts welcome you to the park. (Don’t forget to cool down by walking along the Eastlink Trail after your game.)
Dick Nichols District Park
Similar to Rosewood Neighborhood Park, Dick Nichols offers an array of activities for park goers! Enjoy a walk along the trail, relax in the large grass field or find the five pickleball courts.
This park spans 152-acres (🤯) in Southwest Austin (you may want to check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center after your game). You can park here and explore this great space.
Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park
Looking for a park to get lost in nature? This is it! Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park sits in the Allandale Neighborhood, allowing easy access to a vast green space.
Get lost fishing or reading a book near the pond. Let the kids run around at the playground then head over to the four pickleball courts and get your game on!
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park
This park allows you to forget about the city all together. With 300+ acres to explore, this park offers an off-leash dog park and trails to ride your bike…or horse.
Try your hand at disc-golf or pick up your paddle and enjoy a game on one of four courts!
Pan American Neighborhood Park
This park is just minutes away from the East Austin food scene. Work up an appetite at the three pickleball courts then walk to a nearby restaurant.
Once you’re done eating, take a minute to walk around and enjoy all this park has to offer. Check out the AB Cantu Pan Am Park Hillside Theater or stroll through the large field.
You can find out more information about all of these sites and many more here!