America’s fastest-growing sport is easy to find in Asheville and its surrounding communities.
Yes, we’re talking about pickleball, a quirky cross among tennis, Ping-Pong and badminton, played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, that has over millions of players of all ages.
Whether you’re an expert pickler or just getting started, there are plenty of places in Asheville to relish your new favorite sport. Great minds dink alike!
Where can I play pickleball in Asheville?
Play in the River Arts District
Tucked into the River Arts District next to Hi-Wire Beer Garden, Ace and Eagle makes a strong case for being the city's best spot to pick up a paddle. Its three outdoor courts are now covered and lit, so a little drizzle or an early sunset won't end your game. The surfaces are professional grade and built to regulation size, and the courts are set up to keep sun glare to a minimum. Having a beer garden next door doesn't hurt either. Bring your own group and book a private court any day of the week. If you'd rather work on your game alone, you can rent the Erne ball machine and drill until your dinks are second nature.
New Indoor Courts in Weaverville
A few miles north of downtown at 115 Reems Creek Road in Weaverville, Ballcrank Pickleball Club is betting that pickleball is as much about the hang as the game. The new indoor club has 12 cushioned courts, so rain, cold and summer heat are off the table. Two of the courts are pro-sized, and six have video-capture technology for players who want to watch their footwork back. Once the paddles are down, players can head to the bar and café with patio seating, and there are showers for anyone heading straight back to the office.
You don't need a membership to play. Day players pay $15 for a two-hour session, and annual members pay just $5.
Outdoor Pickleball Courts (free to use)
The City of Asheville Parks and Recreation recently released a court schedule for pickleball and tennis players to be able to share the space. These are the hours specifically reserved for pickleball, but if the courts are not being used, anyone can play.
Kenilworth Park – 79 Wyoming Rd.
- MWF: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- T&TH: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- SAT: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- SUN: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Malvern Hills Park – 75 Rumbough Pl.
- MWF: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- T&TH: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- SAT: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- SUN: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Montford Park – 345 Montford Ave.
- MWF: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- T&TH: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- SAT: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- SUN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Murphy-Oakley Park – 715 Fairview Rd.
- MWF: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- T&TH: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- SAT: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- SUN: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Weaver Park – 200 Murdock Ave.
- MWF: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- T&TH: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- SAT: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- SUN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Asheville Sports Club – 137 Coxe Ave. (Reserve court here).
- 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. 21+ after 7 p.m.
Creekside Sports Club – 195 Dogwood Ln. Black Mountain (Reserve court, here)
- 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Cragmont Assembly – 1233 North Fork Rd. Black Mountain, NC
- MWF: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (cost to play is $2)
Lower Tennis Courts – 105 Swannanoa Ave. Black Mountain, NC
- Tues-Thur-Sat: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (cost to play is $2)
Jackson Park – 801 4th E., Hendersonville, NC
- 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (court has lights).
Other Indoor Pickleball Courts
- Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center and Recreation Complex – 121 Shiloh Rd.
- Stephens-Lee Community Center and Recreation Complex – 30 George Washington Carver Ave.
- Asheville YMCA Downtown – 30 Woodfin St. (membership required)
- Asheville Raquet Club – 200 Racquet Club Rd
- Reuter YMCA – 3 Town Square Blvd. (membership required)
- Hendersonville Racquet Club – 88 Oak Creek Ln, Hendersonville, NC
Rent a Pickleball Net for Free!
Don’t have a pickleball net? Check one out for up to seven days. Nets can be picked up at Recreation Park (72 Gashes Creek Rd.) on Monday from 9-11 a.m. and Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. Photo identification and a waiver are required. For more info call Zack Stewart at (828) 545-1644 or email [email protected]. High-quality, semi-permanent rollaway pickleball nets have also been installed at courts in Malvern Hills, Murphy-Oakley and Weaver Parks. You can also contact Wayne Simmons at Parks & Recreation at 828-259-5809 for more info.
