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Community Conventions

Court etiquette at Green Lake

Eight busy public courts, hundreds of players, zero staff — these conventions keep it fun, fair, and friendly for everyone.

Stack honestly

The paddle-stacking system only works when players self-rate objectively. Point your handle at your true level (down = beginner, right = intermediate, up = advanced, left = expert), and stack diagonally if you're between levels. You don't have to… but you won't make many friends at the courts if you don't.

Skill rating guidelines

Play up, play down

We collectively grow as a pickleball community by playing with people both stronger and weaker than ourselves. Be respectful and generous — it's fun, instructive, and friendly to play "up" and play "down" every now and then.

How stacking works

Share with tennis players

Green Lake East is a shared public complex. If you arrive and a court is occupied by tennis players, lean a spare paddle on the net to claim the court when their allotted time is over — 1 hour for singles, 1½ hours for doubles.

About the courts

Respect the cones

During Beginner Welcome Courts, the eastern-most courts (nearest the road) are blocked off with orange traffic cones for beginner and intermediate play. Experienced players: give beginners their space — you were one once.

Beginner Welcome Courts

Keep games moving

Open play means rotation. Finish your game, thank your opponents, re-stack your paddle, and let the next four rotate in. Warm-ups happen before your game, not during court time.

Open play basics

Leave it better

Volunteers sweep courts, empty garbage cans, and haul equipment. Pick up your balls and bottles, help move a net if asked, and consider a small donation — it pays for everything you just played with.

Support GLP

The golden rule of Green Lake

Everyone here is a volunteer, a guest, and a neighbor. Play hard, call your lines honestly, and make the next player's day better than you found it.

More in the FAQ

Grab a paddle. We'll see you at the lake.

Open play for all skill levels, no membership — just show up, stack your paddle, and rotate in.