Pickleball. Play it Once…
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Join a community where fun meets fitness, competition builds connection, and every player has a place on the court.

RFK Redevelopment Project

We need your voice: Let's get 22+ dedicated pickleball courts!

Want more dedicated pickleball courts in DC? We have a rare, massive opportunity to help that happen within the planned 180-acre RFK Campus. DC's Office of Planning (OP) is collecting public comments on its Master Plan draft now through Aug.14.

We need your feedback with a specific, unified ask to OP. Please request:

At least 22 dedicated pickleball courts optimized for year-round play (indoors or covered), with lighting, seating, and restrooms. (A hub this size ensures access for residents daily, while meeting requirements to host national or international matches)

  • Dedicated courts only! Shared courts with tennis or other sports create conflicts and limit play.

A second question allows personal comments. Adding a quick sentence or two such as how pickleball keeps you active, helps you meet neighbors, or how hard it is to find public courts in your ward right now lends credibility and makes your input infinitely more valuable.

There's strength in numbers, so let's all speak up now for this historic chance to secure the growth of pickleball.

To ensure our community’s interests are effectively represented, WDCP has formed a working group to engage with the Office of Planning and city officials and to participate in community meetings. Let scottlparker@comcast.net know if you would like to join our working group.

Thanks for your help,

Washington DC Pickleball

The project aims to transform this historic site into a vibrant community space that meets the diverse needs of local residents. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, the DC Office of Planning is inviting public comments on the draft master plan that describes potential uses, including green spaces, recreational areas, and event venues. The goal is to create a multifunctional environment that fosters community connection and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.

Washington DC Pickleball (WDCP) strongly supports the RFK redevelopment project and views it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand and improve recreational resources in our city.

WDCP advocates the inclusion of 22 dedicated pickleball courts within the planned Recreation District. Access to these facilities is essential to develop a strong youth pickleball program and to meet growing community demand. As participation continues to trend younger, working adults face even fewer opportunities to play, underscoring the need for expanded access.

Pickleball is an inclusive, easy-to-learn sport that plays a meaningful role in building strong, connected communities. Dedicated facilities would create a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels.

A woman playing pickleball on an outdoor court, preparing to hit a yellow ball with a paddle.
People playing pickleball at an outdoor court with a chain-link fence, a woman in a gray shirt and a man in a black shirt trying to hit a yellow ball with paddles, while others observe nearby.
Two people playing pickleball on an outdoor court, with the woman holding a paddle and the man reaching to hit the ball.
Six women and one man stand on a tennis court, holding paddles and wearing medals, celebrating a victory. They are smiling, dressed in athletic clothing, with a net and green trees in the background.
Group of people gathered on an outdoor tennis court, with two women and two men engaged in discussion, holding a clipboard, with a fence, trees, and a pavilion in the background.
A man playing pickleball on an indoor court, hitting a yellow ball with a paddle.
People playing pickleball on an outdoor court, with a woman hitting the ball with a paddle, and two others preparing to hit back.
A woman with glasses and curly hair, smiling and making a peace sign with her hand, leading a tennis coaching session outdoors on a tennis court with several people around.
People gathered on a tennis court, engaging in conversation, some sitting and others standing, with a playground and trees in the background.

  • In partnership with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the National Capital Area, we hosted a sibling match event at Anacostia Park in October 2024. Kids and mentors shared a 90-minute coaching session, with every participant learning to rally, play, and laugh together. Two pairs received paddle kits donated by the Washington DC Pickleball.

  • Inspired by an article in the Washington Post about Roger BelAir teaching pickleball in prisons, volunteers from Washington DC Pickleball reached out to the DC Department of Corrections to see if a similar program was possible at the DC jail. The response was enthusiastic, and weekly play began at the jail in April 2024. Since then the number of volunteers has grown to more than 10, with regular play occurring indoors in the gym, and outdoors on three courts painted for pickleball. We look forward to welcoming these new players to our pickleball community when they return home.

    Find out more here: https://www.picleague.org/ 

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