It’s one of the fastest growing sports! It’s addictive! Like tennis, but with a smaller court, a paddle, and a whiffle ball – it’s really fun. And you can make it a great workout if you’re the competitive type.
Drop in Pickleball
Bring your own equipment or check it out at the front desk. Four, lined Pickleball courts are part of the Open gym times, so you can pay a daily fee or purchase an annual pass. If no one shows up during the designated Pickleball court time, it will then be open to the public for other sports. Park District programs will take priority of courts if there is inclement weather and classes move indoors. Outdoor courts are available at West School.
Daily Fee Open Gym Fee: Resident $6 | Nonresident $9
Monday-Friday (up to 4 courts): 8-11am
Saturday (1 court) 8-10am & 5-6pm
Sunday (2 courts) 12-2pm
Pickleball Lessons
Private and Semi-private with Brad Benson
Pickleball Instructor Brad Benson will train you towards better skills and techniques to up your game as well as beginner basics! Call the Park District to set a time. Registration and payment are handled on-site at the time of the lesson. For questions call the Service Desk at 815-895-3365. Lessons will then be held at the Community Center Gym due to rain or when cool Fall temperatures set in.
Private (One on One): Resident $45 | Nonresident $55
Semi-Private (2-4 people): Resident $35 | Nonresident $45
West Elementary School, 240 Fair Street
Pickleball Classes & Drill Sessions
Four-week group sessions range from an introduction to the game to high-level skill development. Bring your own paddle or use equipment provided during class.
Mondays | Resident $70 | Nonresident $80
September 25-October 16
October 23-November 13
November 20-December 11
Learn more and register online
Pickleball 101
11am-12pm | Introduces players to the sport of pickleball. Each week will focus on new techniques and skill areas, including serves, return-of-serves, forehands, backhands, volleys and more.
Pickleball 102
1-2pm | Introduces players to the shots and strategies required for higher-level play. Each week will focus on new techniques and strategies, including dinking, drops, cuts/slices, blocks, resets, midcourt play, and more.
Pickleball 103
3-4pm | Prepares players for advanced-level play, and will focus on strategies, positioning and court coverage. Instructional play with the instructor will be used to provide feedback and guidance to the players.
Beginner Drill Sessions
12-1pm | Introduces newer players to the drills needed to improve their game. Intended for players with a 0-2.4 rating. The focus will be on partner drills and wall drills that help create the muscle memory to develop consistency in basic pickleball shots such as serves, return of serves, groundstrokes, volleys, blocking, and overheads.
Intermediate Drill Sessions
2-3pm | Focuses heavily on drilling for Intermediate-level players to help them level-up their game. Intended for players with a 2.5-3.4 rating. The focus will be on partner drills, wall drills, and situational drills that help create the muscle memory to develop consistency in intermediate level pickleball shots such as dinks, drops, lobs, speed ups, counter attacks, and resets.
Advanced Drill Sessions
4-4:45pm | Focuses on drills for higher-level players to help them perfect their game. Intended for players with 3.5 rating and above. The focus will be on partner drills, wall drills, and situational drills that help create muscle memory to develop consistency in shots such as slices, cuts, misdirection shots, lob volleys, the “Erne”, and ATPs.
