On July 11, 2023, SF Recreations and Parks opened new pickleball courts at the historic Palace of Fine Arts. The courts are open to the public and free of charge. Pickleball has seen increasing popularity nationwide, and SF is no exception. The sport is very social and typically accessible for beginners– even if you frequently looked for excuses to get out of gym class as a kid– the game can still be fun for new players. Plus, it’s a great way to socialize and meet new people while being active.
Three brand new courts are available Tuesday through Sunday mornings, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Players can easily reserve the courts via the Rec and Parks online system.
The courts are the product of a partnership between SF Recs and Park and Dink SF, a pickleball organization that offers clinics, classes, and machine rentals. Classes various courses include a 75-minute beginner course, drill play, an introductory clinic, and even a class targeted at tennis players wanting to learn pickleball.
Plus, if you want a solo-practice session, you can book a ball machine to get plenty of reps in. Located in the scenic and vibrant Marina District, you have plenty of great restaurant options for a post-game snack.
Pickleball’s recent popularity has skyrocketed in San Francisco. Just five years ago, in 2018, the city only had 12 courts, and now the new courts make the count reach an impressive 67.
City officials are excited to welcome the new courts, “We are thrilled to further expand access to pickleball, an incredibly social and inclusive sport that has brought joy to so many new players over the past few years,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg.
A part of SF history
The Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning SF landmark. The striking structure looks like a Roman relic, and although it was built far after ancient times, it has a long history in San Francisco. The Palace was built in 1915 as part of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition as an exhibit space. Today, the Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful piece of San Francisco history to visit. The site has a large pond with rambunctious ducks and well-manicured gardens. Plus, it is open to the public at no cost.