Evanston has a growing pickleball scene anchored by the city’s brand-new 15-court complex at James Park, plus indoor options at community centers and the McGaw YMCA. With 25+ courts across outdoor parks and indoor facilities, there’s room for every skill level year-round.
Here’s where to find the major courts in Evanston.
Outdoor Courts
James Park
- Address: 300 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
- Website: City of Evanston Tennis & Pickleball
- Courts: 15 dedicated outdoor courts (including 1 adapted court)
- Surface: Asphalt
- Hours: 7 AM – 9 PM
- Lights: No
- Cost: Free
- Amenities: Restrooms, sound barriers, paved walkways, six access gates
Evanston’s first dedicated pickleball facility, completed in October 2025 and officially opened in April 2026. All 15 courts replaced the former tennis courts and feature permanent nets and lines.
Lovelace Park
- Address: 2740 Gross Point Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
- Website: City of Evanston Courts
- Courts: 3 outdoor courts
- Surface: Hard court
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Lights: No
- Cost: Free
- Amenities: Parking, water fountain
Permanent nets with pickleball lines on the tennis courts. Good backup when James Park fills up. Quieter and less crowded, especially on weekday afternoons. Not reservable — first-come, first-served only.
Mason Park
- Address: 1701 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201
- Website: City of Evanston Courts
- Courts: 2 outdoor courts
- Surface: Asphalt (resurfaced 2025)
- Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM
- Lights: Yes
- Cost: Free
- Amenities: Parking
Freshly resurfaced tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines and nets. One of the few free outdoor options with lights for evening play. Courts are open until 10 PM with automatic shutoff. First-come, first-served.
Indoor Courts
Robert Crown Community Center
- Address: 1801 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202
- Website: Pickleball at Crown
- Phone: (847) 448-8258
- Courts: 3 indoor courts (gymnasium)
- Hours: Open gym schedule varies; check website
- Drop-in: $5/player
- Extras: Paddles and balls provided, two full-size gyms, indoor track, parking
City-run facility with open gym pickleball sessions and court rentals for up to 5 people. First-time players need to sign a waiver. Good option for beginners who want to try the sport without buying gear.
McGaw YMCA
- Address: 1000 Grove St, Evanston, IL 60201
- Website: McGaw YMCA Pickleball
- Phone: (847) 475-7400
- Courts: 6 indoor courts
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–3 PM, Mon & Tue 6–8 PM, Sat 2–6 PM
- Membership: $69/month (adult); pickleball pass $25/5 visits
- Extras: Free beginner clinics Saturdays, ladder league
Evanston’s largest indoor pickleball operation with a strong community. Six courts during weekday mornings (4 intermediate, 1 drills, 1 beginner). Three courts available during other open play hours. Financial assistance available for membership.
Evanston Pickleball Courts
| Court | Type | Courts | Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Park | Outdoor | 15 | Free | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Lovelace Park | Outdoor | 3 | Free | Dawn–Dusk |
| Mason Park | Outdoor | 2 | Free | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Robert Crown | Indoor | 3 | Rental | $5/player |
| McGaw YMCA | Indoor | 6 | Membership | $69/month |
Local Resources
Clubs & Organizations
- Evanston Pickleball – Facebook group for local play, meetups & court updates
- City of Evanston Parks & Recreation – official court info, schedules & reservations
Gear & Lessons
- McGaw YMCA Beginner Clinics – free Saturday clinics, coached gameplay
- Robert Crown Pickleball Rentals – paddles and balls provided with court rental
Nearby Cities
- Chicago Pickleball Courts – Quick Guide
- Naperville Pickleball Courts – Quick Guide
- Schaumburg Pickleball Courts – Quick Guide
References
- Total Courts: 25+ (public + indoor)
- Free Courts: 20 (James Park, Lovelace, Mason)
- Best Beginner Spot: McGaw YMCA – free Saturday clinics, all equipment provided
- Busiest Times: Weekend mornings and weekday mornings (9–11 AM) at James Park
- Outdoor Courts w/ Lights: Mason Park (until 10 PM)
- City Parks Info: Evanston Parks & Recreation
FAQs
Can I just show up and play at Evanston’s public courts?
Yes. All city-owned outdoor courts at James Park, Lovelace Park, and Mason Park are free and first-come, first-served. There’s no reservation system for public outdoor courts. James Park gets crowded on weekend mornings, so arrive early or try Mason Park as an alternative.
What’s the best court for families or complete beginners?
McGaw YMCA runs free beginner and family clinics on Saturdays at 2 PM with all equipment provided. Robert Crown also provides paddles and balls with court rentals, making it easy to try pickleball without investing in gear.
Where can I buy gear or rent equipment in Evanston?
McGaw YMCA and Robert Crown both provide equipment for their sessions. For purchasing paddles, balls, and accessories, the nearest dedicated pro shops are in the greater Chicago area. Online retailers like Amazon carry all major pickleball paddle brands with fast shipping.
Is there organized league play in Evanston?
Yes. McGaw YMCA runs a Pickleball Ladder League with weekly matches, rotating partners, and skill-based competition. The Evanston Pickleball Facebook group also coordinates informal open play sessions and round robins at James Park.
