For many, what started as a whim is now their new favorite hobby. Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last couple of years and has become one of the most popular sports in America. Interested in trying out the sport yourself? Find places in Kosciusko County to play pickleball, and hear from local pickleball players how they got started in the sport.
Pickleball Locations in Kosciusko County
Free Locations – Indoors
*Note: Hours are subject to change at these locations. Check hours before traveling.
Grace College GHAWC, Winona Lake
These indoor courts are open to the public during the Gorden Health and Wellness Center’s hours of operation.
Syracuse Community Center, Syracuse
There are 2 indoor courts available at this location. These are open during the Syracuse Community Center hours of operation.
Free Locations – Outdoors
Bixler Park, Warsaw
Bixler Park is located right on Center Lake in Warsaw. This lovely location features two shelters with six picnic tables each, Center Lake beach, a playground, a tennis court, a basketball court, a gazebo, pickle ball, and numerous nearby restaurants.
Kelly Park, Warsaw
Kelly Park in Warsaw has 4 outdoor asphalt courts available to the public. It also offers restrooms, picnic tables, and shelter. Plus, it has the largest playground in the Warsaw Park System.
Winona Lake Limitless Park, Winona Lake
Winona Lake Limitless Park has 4 outdoor courts available to the public. This park is located right by Winona Lake, near a playground and picnic shelter.
Pay to Play Locations
City-County Athletic Complex, Warsaw
The City-County Athletic Complex (CCAC) offers several indoor pickleball courts up for rent. It is $30 for 2 hours.
North Webster Community Center, North Webster
This location has 6 courts total, with 4 outdoor and 2 indoor. They also have paddles and balls available for you to use if you do not own any. Several adult groups meet at this location regularly to play. The cost is $3 per person.
Parkview Warsaw YMCA, Warsaw
To play pickleball at the Parkview YMCA in Warsaw, purchase a $12 day pass. They have indoor courts available to play on.
Other Pickleball Resources
There is also a Facebook group called “Pickleball Phanatics (Warsaw, IN)” where pickleball enthusiasts discuss and set up times to play. If you are looking to meet new people or find a group to join, this is a great resource. https://www.facebook.com/groups/pickleballphanatics
Hear from Local Pickleball Players
Read the stories of how a couple local pickleball enthusiasts got started, why they like the sport, and their favorite places to play.
Grace St. Clair
How did you start playing pickleball?
I started playing pickleball in 2019 when a couple in my church introduced me to the sport. They had been playing for years previous to that and were always looking for new people to teach and play with. Once they taught me the game I instantly became obsessed and was always looking for more opportunities to play.
Why is pickleball one of your favorite sports?
Pickleball is my favorite sport because anyone can play and excel at it. There is no favoritism in this sport. It’s an easy sport to learn yet can also be very competitive. In the last year, I have been taking pickleball more seriously and have been entering as many tournaments as I can. Pickleball is unique as you can play for leisure or play competitively in tournaments at any age and rating. Everyone can be included no matter how seriously they take the sport.
What is your favorite local place to play pickleball?
My favorite local spot to play pickleball is the Winona Lake courts. There is nothing better than heading to the court after work and watching the sunset over Winona Lake as you play. It is such a beautiful location to relax and have fun with friends.
What benefits have you experienced playing pickleball?
I have noticed two major benefits (among many others) to pickleball since I started playing. The first is that I am able to stay active in a fun and competitive way. Something about grabbing a couple friends and heading to the courts for a few hours makes staying active so much easier. The second benefit is that I am able to connect with people in the community. I can’t even count how many people I have met through pickleball. There have been so many people that I have become friends with that I otherwise would have never met living in Warsaw.
Rusty Martinez
How did you start playing pickleball?
It was a total whim! A couple of friends and I split the cost of some cheap Amazon paddles and started playing. We heard it was an up-and-coming sport and thought it would be a good way to get some exercise. As with any new game, learning the rules took some time, but everyone I learned from has been so kind in sharing their love of the game.
Why is pickleball one of your favorite sports?
I enjoy pickleball because it’s easy for almost anyone to pick up. Pickleball requires some basic hand-eye coordination, but otherwise you can play as calmly or as intensely as you like. It is also fun to meet new people – which you can do easily each time you change partners.
What is your favorite local place to play pickleball?
My favorite place to play pickleball is at the Winona Lake park courts! The park is a short walk from my house, and nothing beats playing pickleball as the sun sets over the lake. It’s simply sublime.
What benefits have you experienced playing pickleball?
I have seen certain physical benefits like increased stamina and endurance. But I also enjoy the camaraderie pickleball players have and the increased community connections as a result of playing. Plus, I enjoy the simple benefit of getting outside more often during the summer and staying active through the winter.
Become a Pickler!
Hopefully, you are ready to head out to one of these pickleball courts in Kosciusko County and start playing. Find out for yourself why this sport is so popular!