7 Greatest Pickleball Courts In Columbus, Ohio

December 10, 2023

Searching for the best pickleball courts in Columbus, Ohio? This state’s capital is the place for pickleball in this state!

Columbus is known for its two major league professional sports teams: the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL), and the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS).

But the time has come for pickleball to infiltrate this list as well! Take one wooden, composite, or graphite paddle, and a tennis-style net, and add a wiffle ball to a badminton-size court. What do you get? Fun!

There are a lot of great courts in Columbus, and I know it can be overwhelming to research them all. That is where I come in! I have seen them all in action and compiled a list of the best of the best this city has to offer. Shall we check them out together?

Best Outdoor Pickleball Courts In Columbus

Columbus has certainly won me over with its outdoor courts. Dedicated pickleball centers, parks with a humongous number of amenities, and public recreation centers - all of these spots amazed me with the number of courts and how well-maintained they are.

So let’s see what Columbus has in store for us!

1. Pickle & Chill

Pickle & Chill is located in Olentangy Commons County, in the northwest area of Columbus. This is a specialized sports center dedicated to pickleball.

Here you can experience 20 dedicated pickleball courts that are divided into 12 outdoor courts and 8 indoor courts, both with permanent lines and nets.

The pickleball community often gathers here so if anything you should come to meet some new people with a similar love for pickleball to yours and to give and receive some pickleball tips and tricks.

Also if you want a more professional approach, you can get lessons from their full-time teaching professional David Seckel, who is going to be your coach through the ways of pickleball.

There are several learning options that include private or public group lessons. You can learn all about the basics of pickleball here!

When you feel ready and confident in your pickleball skills you can enter tournaments and leagues that Pickle and Chill is hosting, and of course, all tournaments have categories for players of all pickleball skill levels.

Address: 880 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43214, USA

Contact Phone: (205) 354-6809

Website: Pickle & Chill

Open Times: Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Price: A membership is required

2. Bevelhymer Park - 16 Courts

Bevelhymer Park - 16 Courts are located close to New Albany Links County, in the far northeast area of Columbus.

This is a recreational sports park that hosts on 145 acres many great amenities such as:

16 Full-Size Soccer Fields
9 Baseball/Softball Pitches
3 T-ball Fields
4 Lacrosse/Football Fields
2 Tennis Courts
2 Basketball Courts

In the park, you can also find facilities for individual sports/recreational activities such as playgrounds for kids, concession/restroom buildings, an outdoor fitness area ("Muscle Beach"), and a yoga pad.

What is most important for us is that here you can find 16 dedicated pickleball courts with permanent nets and lines. The surface of the courts is asphalt.

Pickleball courts here do not have tournaments and lessons but keep your eyes locked on this park because many surprises are coming soon!

The reservation of the courts is not possible because the principle of playing on these courts is an open play based, but the courts are free of charge, courtesy of the local Columbus government.

Address: 7300 Walnut St, New Albany, OH 43054, USA

Contact Phone: (614) 939-7275

Website: Bevelhymer Park - 16 Courts

Open Times: Monday - Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Price: Free of charge

3. McDonald Athletic Complex

couple playing pickleball

Mcdonald Athletic Complex is located in Olentangy Commons County, in the northern area of Columbus.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department operates five indoor athletic complexes with four basketball and volleyball courts available for pick-up games, special events, tournaments, and leagues.

The philosophy and goal of this department is giving an opportunity to the community to practice healthy activities because health and wellness are the foundations of a thriving community

One of those is McDonald Athletic Complex which boasts many sports activities aimed to better the physical and mental health of the local population. That is why in this complex you can find everything and anything that you will need to keep your figure fit and mind at ease.

When it comes to pickleball, there are 10 courts of which 6 are outdoor courts and 4 are indoor courts.

Both types of courts have permanent lines overlaid over gymnasium or basketball courts but they do not have nets provided so do not forget to make sure to bring your own.

And yes, the courts are free but see a schedule for more information on the hours when pickleball is being played.

Address: 4990 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH, 43214, USA

Contact Phone: (614) 645-0689

Website: McDonald Athletic Complex

Open Times: Monday - Thursday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: Free of charge

4. Marion Franklin Park

Marion Franklin Park is located in the county of the same name, in the southern part of Columbus. This is a public park that features facilities such as:

Community Center
Public Pool
Athletic Facilities
Athletic Multipurpose Fields
Basketball Courts
Pickleball Courts (Dedicated)
Pickleball Overlays
Tennis Courts (Lighted)

The most interesting of these facilities is certainly 10 pickleball courts that are divided into 8 outdoor courts and 2 indoor courts. Both of these types of courts come with permanent lines and nets. The surfaces of the courts are asphalt (outdoor) and wood (indoor).

Address: 2761 Lockbourne Rd, Columbus, OH, 43207, USA

Contact Phone: (614) 645-5456

Website: Marion Franklin Park

Open Times: Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: Free of charge

Best Indoor Pickleball Courts In Columbus

When the winter comes and all of the outdoor courts get buried in snow, Columbus picklehead players head into indoor tennis centers where there are even more courts where they hang out and challenge each other in this wonderful sport.

So what’s up with these centers anyway? let’s check out the best of them, shall we?

1. Olympic Indoor Tennis Club

balls for pickleball

The Olympic Indoor Tennis Club is located in Central Clintonville County, in the upper downtown area of Columbus. Here you can experience 14 indoor pickleball courts with permanent lines overlaid over tennis courts and portable nets available and provided.

For education purposes, in the center, there are 19 professional tennis and pickleball experts working on getting your game to a whole ‘nother level! They offer clinics, public lessons, and private tutoring on the ways of pickleball regardless of your skill level.

All you need to do is to bring the right type of pickleball paddle for your game style and you’re good to go!

From other amenities, it is important to mention a pro shop where you can buy everything you’ll need to love your game — from racquets and restringing services to apparel, accessories, shoes, and more.

In the breaks of your pickleball training and competition, you can always check out the snack bar where you can chill out for a bit while you wait for your next game.

Address: 3480 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH, 43214, USA

Contact Phone: (614) 267-1213

Website: Olympic Indoor Tennis Club

Open Times: Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: A one-time fee is required

2. Scarborough East Tennis Club

Scarborough East Tennis Club is located in Walnut Heights County, in the eastern area of Columbus.

Here you can experience 22 pickleball courts that are divided into 16 indoor courts and 6 outdoor courts. The surface of the courts is rubber, for reduced stress and fatigue on your joints, making for a safer and more enjoyable game.

Other amenities include an equipment store with the latest gear that you would need for the game and everything for affordable prices and professional coaches to help you with your game through clinics, and private or public group lessons.

Address: 5641 Alshire Rd, Columbus, OH, 43232, USA

Contact Phone: (614) 868-5683

Website: Scarborough East Tennis Club

Open Times: Monday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday - Wednesday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: A membership is required

3. Elysium Tennis Center

Elysium Tennis Center is located in Kileville County, in the far northwest area of Columbus.

In this center, there are 28 pickleball courts that are divided into 16 indoor pickleball courts, and 12 outdoor pickleball courts. Both courts feature portable nets available and provided by the facility with permanent lines overlaid over tennis courts.

Other amenities include:

8 indoor Dynacushion tennis courts
6 outdoor hard courts
4 Platform tennis courts with warming hut
Updated lighting to provide a crisp, even view
Mezzanine level viewing
Pro Shop

Five professional instructors will help you with your game through clinics, and private or public group lessons. Also, there is a snack bar for those hungry breaks between games.

Address: 7637 Commerce Pl, Plain City, OH, 43064, USA

Contact Phone: (614) 873-8749

Website: Elysium Tennis Center

Open Times: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Price: A one-time fee is required

Conclusion

So as you can see, Columbus has amazing centers, parks, and community centers that feature pickleball courts. All are very professional with extensive programs for all levels of experience.

All this wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of the local pickleball community that regularly maintains (public) courts and supports local businesses that enable pickleball to continue in Columbus even in colder months of the year.

Of course, you are free to pick your favorite pickleball courts in Columbus, Ohio, on your own. These are just some of the locations that I hold close to my heart.

I think I said enough about this wonderful city and that now it is on you to get your paddles and trainers, head down to any, or all, pickleball courts in this city, and get to training! Who’s serving?