Pickleball has entered the mainstream in a big way over the last couple of years, and the Magic City is definitely in the mix! Courts are popping up in nearly every neighborhood, and there’s never been a better time to jump on the bandwagon. Whether you are a “pickle” pro or just wondering what all the fuss is about, this guide to the Birmingham pickleball scene is for you.
WHERE TO PLAY
Asbury United Methodist
Neighborhood: Meadowbrook
More Info: asburybham.org
Check out Asbury’s calendar for their free-play pickleball schedule. There are three wooden indoor courts with permanent lines and portable nets. Players have access to restrooms, and the courts are first come, first served.
CityWalk BHAM
Neighborhood: Central City
More Info: citywalkBHAM.com
CityWalk BHAM has 10 pickleball courts tucked in the center of Central City! All the courts have windscreens, so the weather won’t interrupt your game. Eight courts are located on the east side near The Barkery and Bier Garten; the other two are closer to Food Truck Plaza.
The CityWalk courts operate on an “open play” system, and waiting teams can put their paddles in the “paddle caddies” to mark their priority in line. While the courts cannot be reserved for everyday use, the CityWalk BHAM courts can be rented for tournaments or corporate events. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, CityWalk offers Birmingham “pickleheads” the chance to play in the heart of the city.
Crestline Elementary
Neighborhood: Crestline Heights
More Info: mtnbrook.org
Tucked behind Crestline Elementary are four public pickleball courts. The courts are first come, first served and do not currently use a reservation system, but check back soon — they might adopt an online booking system. The Crestline Elementary courts offer access to a public restroom and have lights for playing after dark. They are open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on school days and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every other day.
Crestwood Park
Neighborhood: Crestwood North
More Info: pickleheads.com
Two of the tennis courts in Crestwood Park have been converted into four pickleball courts as the sport has gained popularity in the Birmingham area! Because these concrete courts were previously used for tennis, the net is slightly higher than a typical pickleball net. Amenities include a public restroom, and the courts do not use a reservation system.
Dawson Memorial Baptist Church
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: dawsonchurch.org
The Dawson Recreation Center has a thriving pickleball scene, with four indoor courts and an active league. The courts are available for reservation for anyone with a recreation membership. For more information on joining the pickleball league, visit the website and follow along on Instagram for all announcements.
Heardmont Park
Neighborhood: Indian Springs
More Info: Facebook
Known for its football stadium, soccer and baseball fields, and trails, Heardmont Park also boasts four outdoor hardcourt pickleball courts. These courts are built explicitly for pickleball and have lighting and a public restroom nearby. Heardmont frequently hosts pickleball tournaments and clinics, so check the Facebook page for upcoming events!
Homewood Community Center
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: homewoodparks.com
The Homewood Community Center has three wooden pickleball courts with permanent lines and portable nets. While membership is required to access the courts, the facility offers a pickleball pass for regular use during scheduled pickleball sessions. There are also guest pickleball player passes for one-time use. The courts operate on a paddle rotation system; the monthly sessions calendar can be found on the community center website.
Lifetime Fitness
Neighborhood: Vestavia
More Info: lifetimepickleball.com
Members of Lifetime Fitness have access to the facility’s eight hard outdoor pickleball courts. These dedicated courts have permanent lines and nets and can be reserved online through the Lifetime booking website. Lifetime hosts several “open play” sessions a week, during which players can rotate in different games to practice playing with various partners, as well as attend clinics and tournaments.
Magic City Indoor Pickleball
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: insidepickleball.com
Magic City Indoor Pickleball Club is the state’s only dedicated indoor pickleball space. There are five indoor courts with permanent nets and fencing, and they are fully equipped with LED lighting. Magic City offers a variety of membership plans and guest passes for single-day use. With so many clinics, open-play opportunities, leagues, and tournaments, there is something for all players! Magic City is also fully equipped with showers, locker rooms, court-side seating, and a player lounge.
Valleydale Church
Neighborhood: Indian Springs
More Info: valleydale.org
Valleydale Church offers free recreational activities to members of the church and the Birmingham community. It has six indoor wooden courts that are available for open play Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Players have access to a public restroom, and the courts are not available for reservation. Valleydale occasionally hosts tournaments and leagues, so be sure to check the website for scheduling.
Veterans Park
Neighborhood: Meadowbrook
More Info: hooverAL.org
Veteran’s Park debuted its brand new pickleball courts this spring, and they are already a go-to for so many Birmingham players! The park has eight dedicated outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and lights. The courts are first come, first served and close to an accessible public restroom.
YMCA
Neighborhood: Alabaster, Greystone, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Shades Valley, Trussville
More Info: YMCAbham.org
All seven of the Birmingham area YMCAs have pickleball courts available to members. Check the YMCA website for open court times at each branch. The Mountain Brook YMCA location also hosts clinics, leagues, and tournaments.
WHERE TO SHOP
Player’s Choice Tennis
Neighborhood: Vestavia
More Info: player’schoicetennis.com
For more than 30 years, Player’s Choice Tennis has supplied quality tennis goods to Birmingham players. It offers services like professional racquet stringing, gripping, and more. There’s also an extensive selection of shoes, racquets, and apparel. Now, Player’s Choice carries pickleball goods as well! Shop paddles, balls, bags, and outfits that will have you looking like a pickleball pro, regardless of your skill level.
Alabama Outdoors
Neighborhood: Homewood, Inverness, Trussville
More Info: alabamaoutdoors.com
Alabama Outdoors has supported recreation of all kinds for Alabamians since 1975, and that now includes pickleball. From paddles and kits to shoes and apparel, shop all things pickleball online or in the store.
Magic City Pickleball
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: insidepickleball.com
If you’re looking to upgrade your paddle, look no further than Magic City Pickleball. This pro shop has the largest selection of paddles in all of Alabama, so there is truly something for every player.
**********
Subscribe to StyleBlueprint for the scoop on what’s happening in the Magic City!
