Time to make a racquet (or should we say paddle) this summer, Columbus.
Pickleball is officially making its way downtown. Eight brand-new public pickleball courts are slated to open this summer on the Scioto Peninsula, right across from COSI and next to One at the Peninsula at 344 W. Town St.
The courts are being built on a currently vacant lot at the corner of Town and Belle streets and will be open to everyone, not just nearby residents. Once they open, they’ll operate on a first-come, first-served basis and be available daily, making them an easy option for casual games, spontaneous meetups, or finally learning what the scoring rules actually are.
The project comes from Downtown Columbus, Inc., which has been leading the larger redevelopment of the Scioto Peninsula. While the site is still earmarked for future development, the pickleball courts are considered a temporary use of the space.
Pickleball’s popularity has exploded in recent years, and Columbus has leaned into it in a big way.
Through Columbus Recreation and Parks alone, there are 118 pickleball courts spread across 35 locations throughout the city. That includes 60 indoor courts and 58 outdoor courts, with three dedicated pickleball courts at Marion Franklin Park. Odds are very good there’s already a court near you, and now downtown is getting in on the action too.
These new courts also fit right into what the Scioto Peninsula is becoming. Phase One of the area’s redevelopment is already complete and includes apartments, office space, the Junto Hotel, and a large parking garage. More is on the way in 2026, including additional residential and mixed-use buildings. In the meantime, the pickleball courts add another reason to spend time along the river and make downtown feel a little more playful.
Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball regular or just pickleball-curious, having public courts in such a central, scenic spot is a big win. This summer, downtown Columbus won’t just be for walking, biking, and river views. It’ll also be for arguing about line calls and squeezing in one more game before sunset.
Featured image by Aleksander Saks on Unsplash.
