The Best Pickleball Courts Near Buffalo, NY

Have you tried pickleball yet?  It's a really fun game and we've got a bunch of great places to play in Western New York.

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Pickleball is perfect for people of all ages.  If you've never played, it's very easy to pick up the rules and get playing right away.

What is pickleball?

Imagine if tennis, badminton, and ping pong all got together and had a baby.  That baby would be pickleball. All you need are a couple of paddles, a whiffle ball, and a full-size badminton court. It's hard to believe that it's actually been around since 1965 because it's just started to pick up steam over the last couple of years here in the United States. One of the biggest draws is that it's just so easy to learn..

How do you play pickleball?

The game starts with an underhanded serve that has to be hit cross-court. Just like in ping pong, the ball can only bounce once per side. But the game continues until the ball either bounces twice on one side or is hit out of bounds. Games go to either 11 or 15.  You can play either as singles or doubles.

There is actually a USA Pickleball Association

The USA Pickleball Association has made it their mission to promote the sport, maintain the rules, and host tournaments. They have all kinds of tips for things to wear, equipment you'll need, and specific dimensions of the court and net height when you click here.

Where can you play pickleball in Western New York?

So where can you play here? The answer is, pretty much anywhere with a badminton court. But if you're looking for some specific places to go, Google has some places they will suggest and even reviews from people who have played there. Here are just a couple of them:

1. Buffalo Riverworks - 359 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY 14203

You will need to sign up for a league in order to play, but the good news is that it's in a covered facility (yet still outdoors).  Teams must have at least 2 players.  Click here for more info.

2. Pickleball Island - 401 Lang Blvd, Grand Island, NY 14072

"The staff and owners were helpful and very friendly. Definitely plan on going back for more. And they have cornhole upstairs too! - Craig Tomlin

3. Rally Niagara Badminton & Pickleball - 6205 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221

I cannot recommend this club enough! The owner, Mike, is so sweet and welcoming and doesn't mind taking the time to explain things to new players. He does his best to make everyone feel welcomed and at ease. The players there were wonderful too, everyone is friendly and just there for the love of the game. - Fred Stanley

4. Town Of Hamburg Parks

There are three playground parks that offer pickleball courts now.  They include Benz park, Carnegie/Scranton (on Columbia Street), and Osborne (in Blasdell at Telfer Street or Electric Avenue).  You will need your own paddles and balls and the courts are "first come, first serve."  Click here for more.

5. Havenwood Park - Located off Long Road at Settlers Row on Grand Island

"Nice small park. Very picturesque and scenic. Pickleball and tennis courts. Two shelters with picnic tables. A hockey area for street hockey." - Danger Maggio

6.  Rt. 16 Pickleball - 12520 Olean Rd, Chaffee, NY 14030

Looking for a place in the southtowns?  Rt. 16 Pickleball is right in the town of Chaffee.  They offer 3 brand new courts indoors.  They offer hourly rates and are just a short drive from Springville, Holland, Colden, Franklinville and Ellicottville. Click here to read more.

7.  Clarence Town Park - 5400 Goodrich Rd., Clarence, NY 14031

They've got 10 courts available to play on and they're even lighted at night.  There's no cost to play.  If you're looking for other people to play with, they suggest the best chances to find players at the courts are mornings 9-11 and evenings after 6 pm.  Click here for more.