New to pickleball? Feeling unsure about jumping into open play at Green Lake? Beginner Welcome Courts are designed just for you.
We organize events on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays for beginner and intermediate play. These sessions create a supportive, beginner-friendly environment where you can learn the game, meet other players, and build confidence toward joining open play.
No experience needed. No partner required. Just show up and play.
Our mission
Green Lake is one of the most active pickleball communities in Seattle. That is a great thing. But for many new players, it can also feel fast-paced, competitive, and intimidating at first.
Beginner Welcome Courts are here to help new players get started comfortably, improve skills, and build confidence to join open play anywhere. Our mission is "to create and sustain a fun, inclusive, and challenging pickleball environment for players of all abilities."
By supporting beginners, we aim to make Green Lake more welcoming for everyone, grow the community, and create a balanced mix of skill levels over time.
Events
Beginner Welcome Courts are on Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons. We typically block off up to five courts, dedicated to beginner and intermediate play. We play on the eastern-most side, nearest to the road.
- Tuesday evenings: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM (until dark)
- Thursday afternoons: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Beginner Pickleball Social is on Sunday mornings, with free coffee and donuts. Beginners, intermediate players, and Green Lake regulars all join the same paddle queue. It's easy to meet experienced players, make new friends, and join our community.
- Sunday mornings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
We play at Green Lake East. The map below highlights the courts and queue of paddles in green rectangles.
What you need
- Just bring yourself. Athletic shoes recommended.
- Paddles and balls are available to borrow.
- No experience necessary — volunteers teach basic rules, scoring, and court etiquette.
- No partner required; we'll help you find a game.
Sessions are weather-permitting and may be canceled if it rains. Look for orange traffic cones on the courts.
How it works
- Players rotate through games using a paddle-stacking system.
- Separate groupings may form for beginner and intermediate play.
- Volunteers help organize play and balance court usage.
- Free to play — optional donations of $1 to $3 are appreciated and help pay for balls, equipment, and court access.
What to expect
- A welcoming, inclusive environment — designed especially for beginners and lower-intermediate players, but open to anyone who wants a more relaxed experience.
- Low-pressure, social play — friendly, cooperative games with an emphasis on learning and fun.
- Help when you want it — volunteers and experienced players explain rules, keep score, and offer tips if you want them.
- A place to meet your people — many players form groups and keep playing together outside these sessions.
- A stepping stone to open play — many players start here, then move into regular open play at Green Lake and other courts around Seattle.
Join our community
- Meetup events: Seattle Beginner Pickleball
- Facebook: Green Lake Pickleball
Also join our WhatsApp community — chat with other players and coordinate games. To get access, come play with us in person and someone will add you (to keep out spammers, invite links are shared in person only).
Photos
Many more photos from every session are on the community photo gallery.