The North Central region, home to Gainesville, Ocala, and Lake City, has seen a surge in pickleball’s popularity, especially among active adults and retirees looking for a fun way to stay fit. Gainesville, a college town, is adding younger players to the mix, creating an exciting blend of competitive and social play. The region’s many parks and rec centers have embraced pickleball, and communities here often organize friendly tournaments and skill-building clinics to bring players together.
This sport has completely changed my life, giving me a reason to get moving, meet new people, and challenge myself in a way I never expected. And if you’re in North Central Florida—including Marion, Alachua, Bradford, Levy, Gilchrist, Dixie, Lafayette, Taylor, Madison, Hamilton, Columbia, and Union Counties—you’re in a fantastic region to play!
Whether you’re brand new to the game or looking for more places to play, I’ve done the legwork to help you navigate the pickleball scene in North Central Florida!
Why Pickleball?
At first, I thought pickleball was just an “easy” version of tennis. I was so wrong. This game is fun, competitive, and filled with energy. Here’s why I love it:
✔ Easy to Learn – You can go from zero to playing full games in under an hour.
✔ Social & Friendly – Pickleball is all about fun and community.
✔ A Great Workout – It’s low-impact but gets your heart rate up.
✔ Perfect for All Ages – I’ve played with college students, retirees, and everyone in between!
Where to Play in North Central Florida
I’ve searched far and wide for the best pickleball courts in this region. Here are some great places to play in each county:
Marion County (Ocala, Dunnellon, Belleview)
Fort King Tennis Center (Ocala) – One of the best pickleball spots, with multiple courts and regular open play.
Baseline Road Trailhead Park (Ocala) – Great outdoor courts with a strong local community.
Dunnellon Community Center – A good option for casual play.
Belleview Sportsplex – Offers both tennis and pickleball options.
Alachua County (Gainesville, High Springs, Newberry)
Northside Park (Gainesville) – One of the best spots in Gainesville, with dedicated pickleball courts.
Westside Park (Gainesville) – Tennis courts lined for pickleball; very popular among locals.
Hal Brady Recreation Complex (Alachua) – Indoor courts available for year-round play.
Newberry Tennis Center – A great spot for competitive and social play.
Bradford County (Starke, Lawtey)
Bradford County Parks & Rec (Starke) – Growing interest in pickleball, with lined courts available.
Thomas Street Recreation Complex – Small but expanding pickleball scene.
Levy County (Bronson, Chiefland, Williston)
Chiefland Trailhead Park – Pickleball courts available with a welcoming community.
Williston Sports Complex – A great place to play, with active local groups.
Gilchrist County (Trenton, Bell, Fanning Springs)
Trenton Community Center – Indoor pickleball courts available for open play.
Gilchrist County Park (Bell) – A casual spot for beginner play.
Dixie County (Cross City, Horseshoe Beach)
Dixie County Recreation Center – Limited courts but a growing interest in pickleball.
Cross City Park – Open play available on lined tennis courts.
Lafayette County (Mayo)
Lafayette High School Gym (Mayo) – Offers scheduled indoor pickleball sessions.
Taylor County (Perry, Steinhatchee)
Perry Recreation Center – A great indoor option for local pickleball enthusiasts.
Steinhatchee Community Center – Small but friendly group of players.
Madison County (Madison, Greenville)
Madison County Recreation Complex – A developing pickleball scene with new courts planned.
Hamilton County (Jasper, White Springs)
Jasper City Park – One of the few locations in Hamilton County for pickleball play.
Columbia County (Lake City, Fort White)
Richardson Community Center (Lake City) – A great indoor location for casual and competitive games.
Southside Sports Complex (Lake City) – Well-maintained outdoor courts.
Union County (Lake Butler)
Lake Butler Community Center – Indoor courts available for play.
Finding Games & Pickleball Partners
One of my biggest concerns when starting was “How do I find people to play with?” Thankfully, these tools make it super easy:
✅ PlayTime Scheduler – My favorite way to find open games in my area.
✅ Pickleheads – A great resource for finding courts and clubs.
✅ PicklePlay App – A mobile app that makes scheduling games easy.
✅ Places2Play – USA Pickleball’s official court locator.
I personally use PlayTime Scheduler the most—it tells me exactly who is playing, where, and when. No more guessing or showing up to empty courts!
Tips for New Players
Start with Open Play – Most courts have designated times where you can jump in and play with others.
Invest in a Good Paddle – A beginner-friendly paddle ($40–$80) makes a big difference in how you play.
Don’t Worry About the Score – The rules and scoring seem confusing at first, but you’ll pick it up quickly! Check out our guide here on pickleball rules and scoring.
Have Fun! – Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, pickleball is meant to be enjoyed.
Ready to Join the Pickleball Craze?
If you live in North Central Florida and haven’t tried pickleball yet, now is the perfect time! There are courts everywhere, friendly players ready to welcome you, and a community that truly makes this game special. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a fun way to stay active, or some friendly competition, pickleball has something for everyone.
So grab a paddle, find a court, and let’s play! (And if you see me on the courts, be nice—I’m still working on my third-shot drop!)
