Pickleball

59 outdoor pickleball courts | 14 dedicated pickleball courts | 6 indoor pickleball facilities | dedicated pickleball hours at 5 sites 

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports, not just here in the United States but internationally as well. According to the USA Pickleball Association, the sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities created the game, which combines the elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. Pickleball has since evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport both nationally and internationally, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

"Fun, social and friendly. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players." -- USA Pickleball Association

The Recreation and Park Department has worked to accommodate the growing interest in pickleball in San Francisco by significantly increasing the locations available to play pickleball. Additionally, the department will continue to prepare and stripe courts for pickleball as courts are resurfaced.

*Net availability subject to change

Helpful links to get you started (external)

History | How to Play | Equipment

Free Pickleball Access Expanded to Palace of Fine Arts 

San Francisco’s fastest growing sport, pickleball, has found a new home in one of the city’s most historic spots. Starting July 11, players will be able to reserve three indoor courts during peak morning times at no cost. Learn more at this link. 

Background on Larsen Pickleball Courts

In early 2023, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission approved the proposal to convert Larsen Playground’s one tennis and one basketball court into eight dedicated pickleball courts. After extensive collaboration and work between the Pickleball Working Group, SF Tennis Coalition, and San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (RPD), this court conversion was a step forward in providing balanced recreational opportunities for all groups.  

 The Larsen Playground court conversion will meet the Pickleball Working Group's three main priorities: 

• a dedicated pickleball complex on the west side of the city 
• easily accessible restrooms 
• reasonable access to parking 

Update on Larsen Pickleball Courts

On Monday, August 7, Rec and Park began construction on the Larsen Pickleball Complex. After receiving feedback from the pickleball and tennis communities, we’re converting one basketball and one tennis court at Larsen Playground into eight new dedicated pickleball courts, while also installing new fencing and wind screens at the site. We anticipate completing this project in mid-fall of 2023. See details of the work below: 

 Phase 1 (late summer 2023) 

• Fence posts will be secured in new concrete footings and a standard redwood border will be installed around the asphalt court perimeter. 
• The center retaining wall will be reinforced and new fencing and windscreens will be added. 
• Crews will remove problematic vegetation and roots that impact the existing asphalt to allow for a smooth consistent court surface. 

 Phase 2 (fall 2023) 

• Tennis and basketball nets and posts will be removed. 
• Courts will be resurfaced and lined with pickleball stripes in the standard north to south orientation.  
• Pickleball nets will be mounted. 

To help with interim pickleball demand, RPD has temporarily expanded the dedicated pickleball hours at Presidio Wall. The tennis and basketball courts will remain open between phase 1 and phase 2 of the project. 

Planning for Future Pickleball Courts

Recognizing the impact on other sports communities, Rec and Park will pause any further conversion of sports courts to dedicated pickleball courts while it identifies underutilized public space that can support future dedicated pickleball complexes within the city. We welcome any suggestions from the community on locations to add new pickleball courts. Note, it is most feasible to add courts to the existing hardscape.