January 5, 2026
If you haven’t already picked it up, you might be wondering: What exactly is pickleball?
Think of it this way. Pickleball is like a sister to tennis and a close cousin of badminton — and it’s the fastest growing sport in the nation. Played with paddles on a court that’s slightly smaller, and with a shorter net, than a tennis court, pickleball is also easy to learn. Hence, its popularity with players of all ages.
Join the craze in Cabarrus County, North Carolina at these five pickleball hot spots.
Bakers Creek Park
Dotted among some 40 acres of lush, leafy greenery at this public park, you’ll find a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, softball fields, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, and a trailhead for Bakers Creek Greenway. And of course: Six outdoor, hard surface pickleball courts ready to test your skills. These are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets that are completely free to use.
Hungry? After a particularly grueling pickleball match, stop by local restaurants in nearby Downtown Kannapolis to refuel.
Carolina Pickleball Club
This is the epicenter for all things pickleball. Choose from several climate-controlled indoor courts that allow for year-round play. Carolina Pickleball Club also hosts personalized coaching, skill-building clinics, youth programs and competitive leagues. In short: There’s always an opportunity to fine-tune your game, including at weekly social events. The Dink’n Donuts, for example, is a start-the-morning-right event with open play, fresh coffee and warm donuts.
Though guests can purchase a membership to the club, which includes exclusive perks such as discounted rates, invites to member-only happenings and priority court reservations, you don’t need to be a member to enjoy the offerings. New to the sport? No problem. The club welcomes all pickleball enthusiasts no matter their age or skill level, from experienced players to newbies.
Concord Pickleball
Want to play at any time of day? Concord Pickleball is open 24/7!
All of the eight courts at Concord Pickleball are indoor and cushioned — read, comfortable and easy on the joints — making for an inviting set-up for pickleball fans. Regulars rave about the friendly staff and welcoming community, plus give bonus points to the professional court lights.
Select from three play passes: a free guest pass that offers $15 open play and 7-day advanced booking; an $80 annual pass that allows for $10 open play and 7-day booking; or the $19/month Pickle Pass, which gives you $5 open play and 10-day priority booking, plus other benefits.
If you’re looking to improve your game, sign up for a private lesson with Concord Pickleball’s expert coaches or join one of the clinics offered year-round.
Frank Liske Park
This 238-acre park offers so many activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
In addition to amenities like volleyball courts, walking trails, seasonal paddle boating and fishing, mini-golf and so much more, Frank Liske is home to a dozen lighted outdoor pickleball courts. These courts feature permanent lines and nets and are free to utilize. Picnic areas and restrooms are also available onsite, so pack a lunch, grab your pickleball-loving crew and head over to enjoy the outdoors.
James L. Dorton Park
This scenic community park on the Coddle Creek Greenway features three recently resurfaced outdoor tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines. This means that devotees of both sports can equally serve up a round or two in the Cabarrus sunshine.
And thanks to plenty of park amenities, guests can bring a picnic lunch and make an entire day of it. The kiddos will love the vibrant playground. Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll along the walking trail. For disc golfers, there’s the newly expanded 18-hole course, which is free and open to the public. Plus, the park boasts soccer fields, quaint pedestrian bridges and easy parking access.
Get to the Pint
Celebrate your pickleball win — or mourn a tough loss — over a cold beer. Cabarrus County plays host to nearly a dozen craft beverage locales. See what’s on tap here.
