How to Reserve Pickleball Courts for Your Club

Types of Courts Available

Before you start making calls, understand the three main categories of pickleball courts available to clubs. Each comes with different costs, availability patterns, and reservation processes. Your club will likely use a combination of these options as you grow.

Public courts at parks and recreation centers are the most accessible and affordable option. Private indoor facilities offer weather-proof play but at higher costs. Shared-use facilities like tennis clubs or community centers that have converted courts provide a middle ground with more predictable scheduling.

Public Parks and Recreation Centers

Public parks departments are often the best starting point for new clubs. Many cities have added dedicated pickleball courts in response to growing demand, and recreation centers frequently offer permit programs that allow clubs to reserve specific time blocks.

The process typically starts with contacting your local parks and recreation department. Ask about their facility reservation or permit system. Most departments offer seasonal permits that give your club priority access to certain courts during designated hours. Costs vary widely but usually range from $10 to $50 per hour depending on your municipality.

• Check your city or county parks department website for reservation policies
• Ask about seasonal or annual permit programs for organized groups
• Inquire whether there are discounts for nonprofit or community organizations
• Find out if courts can be reserved during off-peak hours at lower rates
• Confirm whether the permit covers exclusive use or simply priority access

Private and Indoor Facilities

Private facilities, including dedicated pickleball centers, tennis clubs with converted courts, and sports complexes, offer more reliable scheduling and better amenities. Indoor facilities are particularly valuable in regions with extreme weather, allowing year-round play regardless of conditions.

Expect to pay more for private court time, typically $20 to $80 per hour per court. However, many facilities offer bulk rate discounts for clubs that commit to regular weekly time slots. Some private facilities will even partner with clubs, offering reduced rates in exchange for guaranteed bookings that help fill their off-peak hours.

How to Approach Facility Managers

Your first conversation with a facility manager sets the tone for the entire relationship. Come prepared with a clear proposal that shows you are organized, reliable, and an asset to their facility. Managers hear from many groups, so professionalism makes a strong impression.

Prepare a one-page summary of your club that includes your membership count, the number of courts and hours you need, your preferred schedule, and your willingness to be flexible. Mention any insurance coverage your club carries. Highlight the benefits to the facility, such as consistent revenue, increased foot traffic, and community engagement.

1. 1Research the facility and understand their current schedule and open time slots before your meeting
2. 2Bring a written proposal with your club details, desired schedule, and expected attendance numbers
3. 3Offer to start with a trial period of four to six weeks so both sides can evaluate the arrangement
4. 4Ask about their requirements for insurance, waivers, and facility rules that your members must follow
5. 5Propose a single point of contact from your club to streamline communication with facility staff

Negotiating Block Time

Block time agreements give your club consistent access at predictable costs. When negotiating, focus on creating a win-win arrangement. Facilities want guaranteed revenue and reliable bookings. Your club wants affordable, consistent court time.

Start by asking for off-peak hours, which are easier to secure and less expensive. Early mornings, weekday middays, and late evenings are often available. Once you establish a track record, you can negotiate for more desirable time slots. Consider committing to a six-month or annual agreement in exchange for a discounted rate, as most facilities prefer the stability of longer commitments.

Online Reservation Systems

Once you have secured court time, you need a system for managing who plays when. Spreadsheets and group chats quickly become unmanageable as your club grows beyond a dozen members. An online reservation system eliminates confusion and ensures fair access.

A good reservation system lets members see available slots, book their spot, and receive confirmations automatically. It should also handle waitlists for popular time slots and allow coordinators to set up recurring reservations for league play or regular club sessions. The system should be mobile-friendly since most members will book from their phones.

Managing Shared Courts

Many pickleball clubs share court space with tennis players, basketball groups, or other sports. This requires clear communication and mutual respect. Establish a rotation system that works for all parties and post the schedule prominently at the facility.

Create a written court-sharing agreement that covers designated hours for each group, setup and takedown responsibilities for portable nets, noise considerations during shared time blocks, and a process for resolving scheduling conflicts. When everyone knows the rules in advance, shared court arrangements can work smoothly for years.

• Post a visible schedule at the courts showing allocated times for each group
• Assign a liaison from your club to communicate with other user groups
• Be flexible during holidays and special events when schedules may need to shift
• Clean up equipment and leave the courts in excellent condition after each session