Thursday's Pickle Ball Mania

It's basically an amalgamation of tennis, badminton and ping pong. And although it was invented in 1965, for some reason it feels like the pickleball phenomenon came out of nowhere in the last year. As a service to my fellow San Franciscans who are now purveyors of the sport (and those enthusiasts looking for the perfect place to pickleball), I have donned my concierge cap to find the best pickleball venues.

I've always said that if you don't know, ask a concierge. If the concierge doesn't know, he will find someone who does. Since I am not that familiar with the sport, I delved into deep research with the most loyal pickleball devotees to get their favorite venues for this fast-growing pastime.

Despite the false media narrative that San Francisco is not ahead of the latest trends (didn't we invent Uber, Airbnb, and pioneer AI?), San Francisco Rec and Park has 17 locations for pickleball open to the public. My insiders tell me their favorite locations for pickleball are the courts in the Richmond District's Rossi Park, and Alta Plaza Park in Pacific Heights.

Rossi Park has eight courts so there are shorter wait-times. It's also next to one of the best public pools. So, play a round of pickleball, then enjoy a cool dip in the pool.

The other site recommended to me for America's newest activity is the two courts at Alta Plaza Park. They are not the best, and there are long waits as there are only two, but the jaw-dropping view of the city stretches from the Civic Center to the Richmond District.

Though not one I found through recommendation, through my research I discovered Stern Grove in the city's Sunset District has pickleball courts. Stern Grove is more well known for its natural amphitheater, where for the last century it has been home to a summertime concert series featuring well-known headliners.

Some of whom include the San Francisco Symphony, the Pointer Sisters, and Diana Ross!  And that's just from this year's lineup.  In conclusion you could play a round of pickleball in the morning, then watch the Diva of Motown live and for free.

 The Pickleball Courts at the Crossing in East Cut

For casual Pickle Ballers, the Crossing in the East Cut section of the SOMA District is a popular pickleball destination.  Not so much for the facilities, but because it is a part of a complex with amenities including food vendors, and a large public screen for movies and sporting events.

For those Pickle Ballers who want a more controlled environment where they don't have to stand by at the wait-your-turn public parks, there are a couple of private clubs that offer pro-level pickleball facilities.  To be fair though, some public pickleball courts do have an app-based reservation system.  Yet if you are looking for a private club experience, I have two recommendations.

The Bay Pedal Club on Treasure Island just opened this year and provides pickleball courts, and other recreational facilities.  Their courts offer stunning views of the bay and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. 

Probably the most devoted of the pickleball enthusiasts I know is quite bullish about the Bay Club, on San Francisco's Embarcadero.  He likes the upscale facilities and the convenient location but especially likes their outdoor courts.  He is so loyal to the Bay Club that on rainy days when he can't play outdoors, he will drive down to the peninsula and use the accouterments at the Bay Club in Burlingame.

That is one committed Pickle Baller.