Where to Play Pickleball in Greater Des Moines

For the third year running, Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, according to Pickleheads. The site highlights statistics including that there are 36.5+ million pickleball players in the U.S. and that the growth rate for the sport is 223.5% over the last three years. For instance, in 2017, there were just over 3 million total pickleball players compared to 13.6 million players in 2023. But maybe most importantly, in the U.S., there are 13,969 places to play pickleball … and that includes many locations in Greater Des Moines.

If you’re interested in this easy-to learn-sport, want to purchase gear locally and even find information on entering tournaments with other pickleball enthusiasts, look no further! There are a number of opportunities around the region to get you started. 

Greater Des Moines Pickleball Locations

Here’s where to play pickleball in Greater Des Moines: (Check facility websites for updated hours and details.)

Outdoors:

• Aurora Heights Park in Newton 
• Birdland Sports Park in Des Moines 
• Caldwell Park in Pella (Open play is Sunday from 4 – 6 p.m., Tuesday / Friday from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Rent equipment at the Pella Community Center.) 
• Doanes Park in Pleasant Hill 
• Fox Creek Park in Waukee 
• Greentree Park in Ankeny 
• Grimes South Sports Complex 
• Haines Park in Altoona 
• Kinnick-Feller Riverside Park in Adel (Drop-in pickleball is free May through August on Monday mornings from 9 – 11 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m.) 
• Smash Park in West Des Moines 
• St. Paul Presbyterian in Johnston 
• Terra Park in Johnston 
• Valley View Park in West Des Moines 
• Village Park in Altoona 
• Wildwood Park in Clive

Indoors

• Albaugh Family Senior Community Center in Ankeny – Drop-in pickleball opportunities are available on the indoor wood courts. Learn more at ankenyiowa.gov. 
• Dinks Pickleball in Des Moines – Now open weekdays Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. ($16 per hour), evenings Monday – Friday from 4 p.m. – Midnight ($22 per hour) and weekends ($28 per hour), Dinks offers 13 indoor courts and year-round play. 
• Grimes South Sports Complex – There are two pickleball courts and one tennis court with pickleball lines to utilize for pickleball games. 
• Lifetime in Des Moines – Check out the pickleball schedule for open play and classes on Lifetime's website. 
• MidAmerican Energy RecPlex in West Des Moines – Check the RecPlex Pickleball drop-in schedule for the Hy-Vee Fieldhouse Pickleball Courts. Admission is $5 and play is not actively monitored by staff. There are two regulation-size courts and three additional temporary courts that are available to rent hourly. 
• Prairie Trail Sports Complex in Ankeny – Check the schedule for Open Gym times and upcoming tournaments. 
• Smash Park in West Des Moines – Reserve a court, choose from open indoor play options or take part in an event at Smash Park, including glow pickleball events! 
• Valley Community Center in West Des Moines –  Pickleball play is free for ages 18+ throughout June, July and August. Hours are Monday from 1:30 – 5 p.m., Wednesday from Noon – 4 p.m. and Friday from 1:15 – 5 p.m.  Registration is required for lessons. 

Greater Des Moines Pickleball Leagues

Ever considered joining a pickleball league to meet new people who also love the sport? There are a few leagues across Greater Des Moines that might be a perfect fit! 

• Ankeny Pickleball League 
• Des Moines Metro Pickleball Club 
• Dinks Pickleball Leagues 
• Eastern Polk County Pickleball
• Grimes Co-Ed Pickleball League
• Mahaska County YMCA Adult Pickleball League
• Newton Summer Pickleball League
• Smash Park Leagues
• Winterset Summer Adult Pickleball League  (Search "pickleball" for current offerings.)

There's no better time to get social and connect with others in the Greater Des Moines community through this popular sport! 

See you on the courts!