Peter Piper Picked a Peck of… Pickleballs: The Pickleball Phenomenon

By Kathleen Mest | Photos by Alexiz Gomez

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country and you may have been hearing about it more and more in Long Beach. A few months ago, Billie Jean King Tennis Center began offering pickleball courts with discussions of additional permanent courts in other parks in Long Beach!

Where in Long Beach can you meet-up for pickleball?

“Pickleball for All”

Let’s start with the Marina Vista Pickleball Club. Begun in 2021, this volunteer-led group provides the most meet-up opportunities to play in Long Beach. Participation is free and beginner sessions are available for newbies.

MVPC has competitive recreation play on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday and welcomes newcomers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers from the club run weekly sessions to help new players learn rules, skills and strategies.

Marina Vista Park Schedule:

Mon 9am-12pm Open

Tue 8:30am-10:30am Beginner

Wed 9am-12pm Open

Thu 8:30am-10:30am Beginner

Fri 9am-12pm Open

Sun 9am-12pm Open

MarinavistaPickleball.com / @marinavistapickleball

“Where Everyone Plays”

The Long Beach Pickleball Club players began meeting up in 2017, and play weekly at Somerset Park and Houghton Park. They are proud of their diverse and intergenerational community– ranging from college students, highschoolers, and senior citizens!

With their volunteers, they host open play at Somerset Park and “Intro to Pickleball” clinics at Houghton Park. All are welcome!

Somerset Park Schedule:

Thu 10am-12pm

Sat 9am-12pm

Houghton Park Schedule:

First Fridays 10am - Intro to Pickleball

lbpc908.com / @lbpc908

Pickleballin’ by the Bay

Started over 5 years ago, the Bayshore Pickleball Club meets up weekly, and hosts First Fridays social events like picnics and beach days.

Their players have participated in national tournaments and are advocates for getting permanent courts in Long Beach– some members spoke at the city council meeting last spring. They are passionate about pickleball!

Bayshore Aquatic Center Schedule:

Mon 8am-12pm

Wed 8am-12pm

Fri 8am-12pm

Sun 8am-12pm

@bayshorepickleballclub

For updated meet-up times, check out Club websites and Instagram pages.