Pickleball in Syracuse

Pickleball paddle and ball

Come join us for one of America's fastest-growing sports - Pickleball! Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. Pickleball combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. You can choose to play outdoors or indoors - wherever there is a net, some paddles and a Pickleball. While the game is popular with seniors, the sport is quickly gaining traction for all ages as a fun way to get the heart pumping and fuel that competitive spirit.

Adult Pick Up Play - Indoor

Adult Pick Up Play – Indoor is a registration-based opportunity offered at indoor locations during the fall, winter and spring.  These sessions may require a nominal fee. Players must be at least 17 years of age. The term "Pick Up Play" designates playing times that are open for players of all skill levels and years of experience to mix together to have fun playing pickleball. Players can register at Syracuse.recdesk.com under “Programs” > “Adult Recreation” > “Pickleball”.  

A Few Guidelines for Pick Up Play:  

  • Pick Up play is generally played with doubles. 
  • Players will use an initial volley round to identify which team will serve first. 
  • Games are usually played to 11, and teams must win by a margin of 2 or more points. 
  • Once the courts are full, the players will continue to use a “winners stay on and split” system to make sure the next game moves into position quickly. 

For more information, contact Jack Davison at jdavison@syr.gov  

Adult Pick Up Play - Outdoor

Adult Pick Up Play – Outdoor is a drop-in opportunity offered at various parks during the late spring through the fall.  These sessions are free and do not require pre-registration. Players must be at least 17 years of age. The term "Pick Up Play" designates playing times that are open for players of all skill levels and years of experience to mix together to have fun playing pickleball.  

A Few Guidelines for Pick Up Play:  

  • Pick Up play is generally played with doubles. 
  • Players will use an initial volley round to identify which team will serve first. 
  • Games are usually played to 11, and teams must win by a margin of 2 or more points. 
  • Once the courts are full, the players will continue to use a “winners stay on and split” system to make sure the next game moves into position quickly. 

For more information, contact Jack Davison at jdavison@syr.gov 

Senior Open Play

Senior Open Play is a drop-in session in which players simply drop-in at the Magnarelli Community Center (2300 Grant Blvd, 13208) at set times, without advance reservations, to play other drop-in players. These sessions do not require a fee. Players must be at least 55 years of age and have a senior membership. The term "Open Play" designates playing times that are open for players of all skill levels and years of experience to mix together to have fun playing pickleball.  

Senior Open Play is offered year-round:  

  • Mondays and Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., and Fridays 12 to 2:45 p.m. 

A Few Guidelines for Open Play:

  • Open play is generally played with doubles. 
  • Players will use a dry erase board to identify what order each person will go on the court. 
  • Games go up to 11 points.  
  • Once the courts are full, the players will continue to use a dry erase board to make sure the next game moves into position quickly. 

For more information, contact Dave Bardenett at dbardenett@syr.gov  

Outdoor Courts

At this time, the City of Syracuse has several tennis courts lined for pickleball. Play is First Come First Play and means that the court is open and people can play any way they would like. Court times are not enforced, but we hope people are considerate of others and keep games to 1-hour if others are waiting to play.  

Tennis courts lined for pickleball can be found at:  

  • Barry Park (2 courts) 
  • Burnet Park (2 courts) 
  • Onondaga Park (designated pickleball courts in progress) 
  • Homer Wheaton Park (2 courts) 
  • Lincoln Park (1 court)  
  • Meachem Field (3 courts, lights available for evening play) 
  • McChesney Park (2 courts)  
  • Schiller Park (3 courts) 
  • Wadsworth Park (2 courts) 

Outdoor Court Reservations – we currently do not reserve athletic courts.  

Lessons and Clinics

We offer a variety of opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to improve their game.  

Adult Lessons: Adult Lessons are offered in the spring, summer and fall at various locations throughout the city. Players must be 17 years of age. Pre-registration is required. Players can register at Syracuse.recdesk.com under “Programs” > “Adult Recreation” > “Pickleball”.  

For more information, contact Jack Davison at jdavison@syr.gov  

Senior Lessons: Senior Lessons are offered throughout the year as part of the senior programs at the Bob Cecile and Magnarelli centers.  Players must be at least 55 years of age and have a senior membership. The lessons are dop-in and do not require advance reservations.  

  • Senior Lessons are offered:  
  • Cecile Center, 174 W. Seneca Trpk, 13205: Wednesdays and Fridays, 12 to 12:45 p.m.  
  • Magnarelli Center, 2308 Grant Blvd, 13208: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  

For more information, contact Dave Bardenett at dbardenett@syr.gov  

Youth Lesson: Stay tuned! 

For more information, contact Jesse Brantley at jbrantley@syr.gov  

Leagues and Tournaments

We do not offer leagues and tournaments currently. Stay tuned for updates.

 

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