It's a sporting epidemic that has taken over all age groups across the country, and it's a friendly game that gets your body moving, challenges your athleticism, and keeps you social! The power of pickleball is not to be taken lightly, and the frenzy has certainly shot its way into Eau Claire. This season, put your paddles to the test and take on a friendly pickleball competition at Eau Claire's parks and sports facilities. Find out what in the world the sport is and places to play pickleball in Eau Claire!

How to Play

Most picklers would say that pickleball is where tennis meets Ping-Pong meets badminton. The game can either be played solo or as doubles. The game begins with one side serving the ball underhand, diagonally to the opponent's service court. The returning team must let the serve bounce once before returning it. After the serve has bounced, both teams can volley the ball with or without letting it bounce. The object is to keep the ball in play and make hits that the opponents cannot return. Points can only be scored by the serving team when their opponent cannot return the hit. If the receiving team wins a rally, they do not earn a point but gain the serve. After scoring a point, the serving team switches sides, and the server rotates between partners. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least a two-point margin. For more information about pickleball and to see an official rulebook, visit USA Pickleball's website!

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A girl playing Pickleball at McDonough Park

Places to Play Pickleball

Owen Park

Owen Park is one of Eau Claire's most popular tennis and pickleball locations due to its stunning and convenient location. The courts are located on the south end of the park near Water Street with a great view of the Chippewa River. You're likely to run into UWEC students playing a few matches on one of the four courts at Owen Park. Maybe they'll be your newest opponent?!

McDonough Park

What may be the pickleball powerhouse of Eau Claire, McDonough Park has a whopping twelve pristine pickleball courts overlooking Dells Pond. You'll oftentimes meet pickleball clubs at this park holding lessons, matches, or tournaments throughout the warmer months. If you're wondering where to face off with the best pickleball players in Eau Claire, McDonough Park is the spot!

Eau Claire YMCA

With three different locations across the Eau Claire region, the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley has no shortage of indoor pickleball opportunities. Adult pickleball is available at the YMCA Sports Center, Eau Claire South YMCA, and the Eau Claire Downtown YMCA. The YMCA Sports Center also offers lessons for beginners or advanced picklers– visit their website to register!

Fairway Park

Tucked away in the woods near Otter Creek in Altoona, this park is a lovely little pickleball getaway! You can park in the parking lot off of Whistling Straits Drive and take the trail along the trees to the courts. With three courts to choose from, Fairway Park is a quiet and relaxing spot to get in a game!

Lake Hallie Gower Park

Head to Gower Park in Lake Hallie for more quiet, secluded pickleball play. You can find this park located off of Business Highway 53 on Halifax Street, and get access to six courts of friendly play. 

Delong Middle School

A hidden gem for pickleball competition is located at Delong Middle School in Eau Claire. There are a total of 12 courts in excellent condition with a limited amount of movable nets. Claim your court at Delong Middle School, and race your opponents to 11 points!

A-T Elite Performance Center

The A-T Elite Performance Center in Altoona offers indoor pickleball play on select days and hours at their facility, available to season pass holders or single-day visitors. Hours of play include Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6 AM - 3:30 PM on all courts and Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 6 AM - 3:30 PM on Courts 1, 2, & 3, and from 6 - 11 AM & 1:30 - 3:30 PM on Courts 4, 5, & 6. Find more information here!

MoRe Ways to Move in EaU ClairE