Pickleball

Discover Pickleball
Created during the summer of 1965 just outside Seattle, WA, pickleball was the brainchild of U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum. Initially designed as a sport for the whole family, the name "Pickleball" stems from the playful antics of a family dog named Pickles, who would chase after stray balls and hide in the bushes.

Pickleball is a unique paddle sport played with a whiffle ball on a court similar in size to badminton and features a tennis-style net. The game has a non-volley zone near the net, which adds strategic depth, and the serving team cannot volley the return of serve. These distinctive rules make pickleball accessible to players of varying mobility levels and allow for exciting cross-generational competition.

The simplicity of the rules and the ease of play make pickleball a fantastic sport for people of all ages and athletic abilities.

Experience Pickleball at Scott Park Tennis Courts
We're excited to announce that the tennis courts at Scott Park, conveniently located behind the Decatur Recreation Center, have been specially lined for pickleball enthusiasts. If you're a pickleball player eager to enjoy this engaging sport, there are a few things you need to know:

Reservation and Contact Information
Pickleball players can reserve court time by contacting the Glenlake Tennis Center directly at 404-377-7231. Alternatively, you can easily make reservations online through the CommunityPass platform.

Scott Park (Fire Station Courts) - Operating Hours
Daily: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fees (per 2 hours)
Resident Rates:
Before 6 p.m.: $5
After 6 p.m.: $10

Non-Resident Rates:
Before 6 p.m.: $10
After 6 p.m.: $20

Attention Pickleball Players

Please note that Open Gym Pickleball at Ebster Recreation Center will be on hiatus from April 1-5 due to the City Schools of Decatur Spring Break. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Fear not – regular open gym hours will resume the following week. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you back on the courts soon!

Indoor Play at Ebster Gym
For those seeking indoor pickleball action, Ebster Gym offers playing sessions Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m. Indoor pickleball is an open gym activity. Open gym memberships can be purchased on CommunityPass or with a front desk attendant. One time drop-in rates are $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents. 

Get ready to experience the thrill of pickleball in Decatur. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, this sport is waiting to welcome you into its engaging world of fun and competition.