Open Play vs Reserved Play vs First-Come First-Play
Open Play is a Drop-In session in which players simply drop-in, without advanced reservations, to play other drop-in players. These sessions do not require a fee.
The term "Open Play" is used in pickleball to designate playing times that are open for players of all skill levels and years of experience to mix together to have fun playing pickleball, In Open Play, competition takes a back seat to the social aspects of meeting people, making everyone feel welcome.
A Few Guidelines for Open Play:
- Open play is generally played with doubles.
- Players will use the "RACK" to identify what order each person will go on the court.
- Players will play up to 11 points and win by 2 if less than 6 players are waiting to play.
- Once the courts are full, the players will continue to use the "RACK" to make sure the next game moves into position quickly.
- If 6 players are waiting, players will play 9 points instead of 11 points. After a game is over, all 4 playing players will switch out to allow 4 new players a game.
Reserved Play is a court reservation that must be scheduled for a specific time and can be used for both casual and competitive play. All Reserved Play sessions require a fee payment.
Court Reservations and Fees
- Singles - $5.75
- Singles Senior* - $4.75
- Doubles - $4.25
- Doubles Senior* - $3.50
- To qualify for the senior rate, you must be at least 62 years of age
Court reservations can only be made for Reserved Play sessions, as all Open Play sessions are drop-in and free.
Make a reservation online for Four Oaks Park, Tom Brown Park or Winthrop Park - or make a phone reservation by calling 850-891-4940 between 9:00am - 1:00pm. For all other locations that have Reserved Play sessions, please contact that facility directly.
First Come First Play just means that the court is open and people can play any way they would like. If other players are waiting to use the court, there is a 90 minute court time limit.
For more information, please contact Lenin Mongerie.