The Best Outdoor Pickleball Courts in Cincinnati

The YMCA, local churches, recreation centers, community centers and tennis clubs – indoor venues are attempting to feed the rampant pickleball addiction in-and-around Cincinnati. Whether it’s temporarily lining the indoor tennis courts for pickleball at the Court Yard Sportsplex in West Chester or swapping out the 15 feet free throw line for 7 feet kitchen lines at the Mason Community Center – indoor pickleball opportunities are relatively plentiful in the region.

Unfortunately, however, for those of us who enjoy battling the physical elements of sun and wind, the options are much more limited outdoors. And that’s a shame. As the previous “Pickleball Specialist” at the Mason Community Center I was frequently asked where people could play outdoors. So, here are my top choices for playing pickleball outside in Cincinnati, Ohio – updated, October, 2022.

#1A – Lefferson Park, Middletown, OH

2145 South Breiel Blvd, Middletown, OH 45044

Self-proclaimed as the “Pickleball Capital of Ohio,” Middletown pickleball has been around since 2006 and earns the #1A slot for best outdoor pickleball courts in Cincinnati. With 18 dedicated outdoor courts and play – competitively and recreationally – occurring virtually at any time of day, seven days a week, there’s really no excuse for not coming to visit.

Middletown has many formal events going on for club members – including Saturday morning round-robins, Sunday night shootouts, ladder leagues, luck-of-the-draw club tournaments and the crown jewel, a tournament drawing 400+ players during the first weekend in August. Annual club membership is just $50/year.

#1B – Sawyer Point, Cincinnati, OH

815 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Newly renovated during the summer of 2022, Sawyer Point – on the banks of the Ohio River – boasts a total of 24 courts, including 18 dedicated pickleball courts.  If visiting the Cincinnati area, this is a must-see!

#2A – Anderson – Clear Creek

6520 Batavia Road, Cincinnati, OH 45244

Built in late 2015, Clear Creek in Anderson boasts 6 beautiful courts – taking a backseat to no venue in Greater Cincinnati. Weekday play at Clear Creek is typically from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with the exception of Wednesday evenings from June 6 to August 8 when the courts are reserved by the Anderson Parks Department for league play. On weekends, play at Clear Creek occurs from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.  If you live in Cincinnati or are just visiting, this is a must-visit venue.

#2B – Harbin Park, Fairfield, OH

1300 Hunter Rd, Fairfield, OH 45014

Built in 2021/2022, Harbin Park in Fairfield, OH has 8 dedicated courts with a shade structure between the two sets of 4 courts.  The shade structure is amazing for summer play!

#3 – Mcdonald Commons Park, Madiera, OH

7351 Dawson Road, Miami Ave Or Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati / Madeira, OH 45243

Although I have never visited the pickleball courts at Mcdonald Commons Park in Madiera, the venue looks pretty nice. In late 2016, the existing tennis courts were repaved, resurfaced and lined for both tennis and pickleball. The venue features permanent tennis nets and portable pickleball nets. Pickleball – on the four pickleball courts – is scheduled daily from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

Note:  Because of a projected park renovation, the Mcdonald Commons pickleball courts will be closed from October 2022 – September 2023. 

#4 – Four Bridge Country Club  (Members Only)

8300 Four Bridges Dr, Liberty Township, OH 45044

In addition to its world class championship golf course, three swimming pools, a Fitness Center, four clay tennis courts and three platform tennis courts (sounds like the Villages to me), Four Bridges Country Club also has three pickleball courts. However, they are for members only. Boo! For those of you with a membership at Four Bridges, don’t forget to check out the pickleball action! You’ll love it!

These are my recommendations for where to play pickleball outdoors in Cincinnati.  There will, undoubtedly, be additional venues popping up in the coming year(s).

Dayton – Don’t Forget About these Courts!

For those of you north of Cincinnati and in Dayton, please check out the dedicated pickleball courts at Activity Center Park in Centerville, OH, the dedicated courts at Herbert C. Huber Community Park in Huber Heights, OH and the 12 dedicated courts at Duke Park in Troy, OH.

If you have an outdoor venue that you would recommend that’s not listed, please comment below. We would love to hear where you play!!!  And perhaps, how far you drive to play if there is no venue in close proximity!  See you on the courts!