PicklePlex® — Local services in Punta Gorda

As a new baller I did not know what to expect. That being said the set up of it all gets a 8-9. I believe the courts are cement or concrete but painted over very well to establish lines of play (10). The complex is open from 7am to 10pm. There are 16 courts to play on. Unfortunately the only free play time is from 12pm to 5pm. If you are an FSW student you can play for free any time. If there is a tournament and 4 courts are in use you can’t play, period. Tournaments get the golden goose. If 8 courts are open and you do not hold a membership (I think it’s $200/year) you can play but only if you pay $5/player. Certain nights are scheduled for certain pickle clubs which means you can’t play. These are private courts built with funds from private businesses on a State School facility where the land is leased for this specific group. Honestly I have had more fun going to the local tennis courts and playing pickleball with my wife and 2 sons to get exercise. The courts are 90% open and you don’t have to pay to play because you’re not a member. If they build more pickleball courts with the same restrictions on the land at FSW and it requires a vote I can promise everyone that I will vote in way that won’t exclude you from playing on a state facility if you can’t afford a membership or...

I'm just learning to play and feel very lucky to have these nice courts to use. Our group goes around 1 and the busy morning crowd is pretty much gone and we have several open courts to choose from. There is a decent bathroom, plenty of tables with umbrellas or bleacher seats if you just want to watch the fun, as well as plenty of parking. The courts are lit into the evening which is a very nice option when it's really hot here or if you work. Speaking from a beginners perspective the Pickleplex is...

This pickleball complex is beautiful. The school colors on the courts is really special and defines the courts so well. Night lighting is amazing....just turn a switch. I think there were 16 courts, all perfect. The only negative was there is no water fountain or coolers. This is Florida and we need lots of water especially when exercising in the heat. Nice tables...