Pickleball in Berkeley, California

Berkeley's public pickleball is more concentrated than the original list suggests. The City currently identifies dedicated pickleball courts at two parks: Cedar Rose Park has four courts, including three reservable courts and one walk-up court, and James Kenney Park has one walk-up court. The other parks previously listed are tennis locations, not City-listed pickleball courts.

Berkeley Recreation also offers adult pickleball instruction and tournaments, giving beginners a structured way to learn before arranging games at the public courts.

Where to Play Pickleball in Berkeley

• Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose St. This North Berkeley park has four dedicated pickleball courts. The City currently lists three as reservable and one as walk-up. Cedar Rose is therefore the most useful municipal option when you want either guaranteed court time or a first-come court. The park itself is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but pickleball has separate operating restrictions, so do not assume the courts follow the park's full hours. Players should check the current court rules and reservation calendar before going. Check Berkeley pickleball courts and reservations.
• James Kenney Park, 1720 Eighth St. The City lists one lighted outdoor pickleball court with a practice wall here. Unlike Cedar Rose's reservable courts, the pickleball court at James Kenney is currently listed as walk-up. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM unless otherwise indicated and also has restrooms, a community center, gym, tennis, basketball, and other recreation facilities. Check James Kenney Park information.

Grove Park, Live Oak Park, Berkeley Rose Garden, San Pablo Park, Strawberry Creek Park, and Willard Park should not be presented as City pickleball locations. Berkeley's current court inventory lists tennis courts at those parks, but its separate pickleball inventory lists only Cedar Rose and James Kenney.

New to Pickleball?

Berkeley Recreation currently offers adult pickleball instruction through its seasonal recreation program. The City's 2026 activity guide includes Pickleball Classes & Tournaments with Kaari among its adult tennis and pickleball programs. Classes run in sessions, so use the City's live registration portal to choose a current beginner offering rather than relying on an old class date or price. Check current Berkeley recreation registration.

After learning the basics, Cedar Rose is the practical public place to arrange a game. Reserve one of the three reservable courts if you already have partners, or check the walk-up court. A court being available does not mean a staffed open-play group will be waiting, so beginners looking specifically for people to play with should ask their instructor about current community play.

If no City class fits your schedule, use this site's Coaches section for individual instruction.

Classes, Tournaments, and Organized Pickleball

Berkeley's recreation program includes pickleball classes and tournaments, with current offerings published through the City's seasonal activity catalog and registration system. Use the Berkeley Recreation programs page for current registration rather than relying on a past tournament or class date.

The City does not currently publish a permanent daily open-play timetable for Cedar Rose or James Kenney. Cedar Rose is primarily useful for arranged games through its three reservable courts and one walk-up court. James Kenney provides another walk-up option when you already have someone to play with.

Visiting Berkeley and Looking for a Game?

If you already have partners, Cedar Rose Park is the simplest public plan. Reserve one of its three reservable pickleball courts in advance, or try the single walk-up court. Check the pickleball-specific court rules and operating hours before traveling because they are more restrictive than the park's general 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM hours.

James Kenney Park is the public alternative when you want a walk-up court, particularly if West Berkeley is more convenient. It has only one pickleball court, so arriving does not guarantee immediate court access or other players.

If your main goal is finding people to play with rather than simply finding a court, check Berkeley Recreation's current pickleball classes and tournaments before your visit. The City's Recreation Division can also be reached at (510) 981-5150 for current pickleball court and program information.