Pickleball has taken Clark County by storm, evolving from a niche hobby into a community staple. Whether you are a "banger" looking for competitive heat or a beginner trying to master your first dink, Clark County offers a wide range of facilities to accommodate every level of play.
1. Where to Play: Open Use & Public Courts
Clark County manages several premier outdoor locations that are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis (unless a reservation is in place).
- Sunset Park Pickleball Complex: The "crown jewel" of local pickleball, located at Sunset and Eastern. It features 24 dedicated courts with lights for night play. It is widely considered the heart of the local scene.
- Lone Mountain Park: Offers four lighted dedicated courts in the northwest part of the valley.
- Bob Price Recreation Center: Features four newly constructed outdoor courts as well as indoor dual-purpose courts.
- Paradise Recreation Center: A great spot for indoor play on dual-purposed courts, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
2. Securing Your Spot: Reservable Courts
If you want to guarantee a court for a specific time, Clark County and various municipalities offer reservation systems.
- County Drop-In Reservations: At Sunset Park, courts #13–16 and #21–24 are reservable for a fee of $6 per hour. Reservations can be made online or in person at the Sports Unit office (located in the gray house at Sunset Park).
- Booking Window: Reservations are typically handled on a month-to-month basis. On the "Last Wednesday" of each month, the schedule opens for the following month.
3. Leveling Up: Pickleball Programs
For those looking for structured play or improvement, the county offers a few pathways:
- Leagues: Clark County runs seasonal adult leagues (typically seven weeks long). These are self-officiated and divided by skill level.
- Lessons: Many recreation centers, including those in Henderson and Summerlin, offer "Learn to Play" clinics for beginners.
4. Court Etiquette: Being a Good "Pickler"
The pickleball community is known for its social and friendly nature. To keep the courts welcoming for everyone, keep these unwritten rules in mind:
- The "Two-Game" Rule: On challenge courts, winners typically stay on for a maximum of two consecutive games before rotating off to let others play.
- Safety First: If your ball rolls onto another court, yell "Ball on court!" immediately to prevent injuries. Do not chase your ball into another game; wait for them to return it to you.
- The Kitchen Rule: Respect the non-volley zone (the kitchen). If you realize you committed a foot fault, be honest and call it on yourself. Integrity is a hallmark of the sport.
- The Paddle Tap: It is customary to meet at the net after every match for a friendly paddle tap and a "good game."