Beginner Welcome Courts

A friendly, low-pressure place to learn and play pickleball

New to pickleball? Feeling unsure about jumping into open play at Green Lake? Beginner Welcome Courts are designed just for you.

We reserve courts on Tuesdays and Thursdays for beginner and intermediate play. These sessions create a supportive, beginner-friendly environment where you can learn the game, meet other players, and build confidence without the pressure or pace of regular open play.

No experience needed.
No partner required.
Just show up and play.

Our Mission

Green Lake is one of the most active pickleball communities in Seattle. That is a great thing. But for many new players, it can also feel fast-paced, competitive, and intimidating at first.

Beginner Welcome Courts are here to help new players get started comfortably, improve skills, and build confidence to join open play anywhere.

Our mission is “to create and sustain a fun, inclusive, and challenging pickleball environment for players of all abilities”.

By supporting beginners, we aim to make Green Lake more welcoming for everyone, grow the community, and create a balanced mix of skill levels over time.

Find Us

Beginner Welcome Courts are at 📍Green Lake East at these times:

Thursdays: 11:00am to 2:00pm (starting April 9, 2026)
Tuesdays: 5:30pm to 8:30pm (starting May 19, 2026)
Sundays: coming soon, this summer

Sessions are weather-permitting and may be canceled if it rains.

We typically reserve the eastern-most courts, nearest to the road. Look for orange traffic cones on the courts.

What You Need

Just bring yourself.
Athletic shoes recommended.
Paddles and balls are available to borrow.

No experience necessary. Volunteers are available to teach basic rules, scoring, and court etiquette. No partner required; we’ll help you find a game.

How It Works

We reserve up to four courts for beginner and intermediate play.
Players rotate through games using a paddle stacking system.
Separate groupings may form for beginner and intermediate play.
Volunteers help organize play and balance court usage
Free to play.
Optional donations of $2 to $4 are appreciated and help pay for balls, equipment, and court access.

What to Expect

A welcoming, inclusive environment. Designed especially for beginners and lower-intermediate players, but open to anyone who wants a more relaxed experience.

Low-pressure, social play. Games are friendly and cooperative, with an emphasis on learning and fun rather than competition.

Help when you want it. Volunteers and experienced players are available to explain rules, keep score, and offer tips if you want them.

A place to meet your people. You will meet others who are learning. Many players form groups and continue playing together outside these sessions.

A stepping stone to open play. Many players start here, then move into regular open play at Green Lake and other courts around Seattle.

This program helps beginners build confidence, improve skills, and join the broader pickleball community.