Cary has quietly built one of the Triangle’s strongest pickleball scenes, with 60+ courts spread across public parks, community centers, and private clubs. The humid subtropical climate keeps outdoor play comfortable most of the year, and the town continues adding dedicated courts to meet demand.
Here’s where to find the best courts in Cary.
Outdoor Courts
McCrimmon Park
- Address: 3870 Cary Glen Blvd, Cary, NC 27519
- Courts: 6 dedicated outdoor courts
- Surface: Concrete
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Lights: Yes
- Cost: Free
- Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, playground, community garden
Cary’s largest public pickleball venue with six lighted, dedicated courts and permanent nets. Courts are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. The Town of Cary uses this site for league matches on Monday evenings, so check the schedule before heading out on those nights.
Cary Tennis Park
- Address: 2727 Louis Stephens Dr, Cary, NC 27519
- Courts: 4 dedicated outdoor courts
- Surface: Hard court
- Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Lights: Yes
- Cost: Free (reservations $8/hr for non-passholders)
- Amenities: Pro shop, locker rooms, restrooms, water, food
Part of one of the largest public tennis facilities in the Southeast. Annual passholders can reserve courts 5–7 days in advance; all other players can book 16 hours ahead at $8/hour through the Town of Cary booking system. Open play runs Sundays 3:30–5:30 PM. The PPA is returning to this venue in 2026.
Ed Yerha Park
- Address: 1216 Jenks Carpenter Rd, Cary, NC 27519
- Courts: 3 dedicated outdoor courts
- Surface: Hard court
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Lights: No
- Cost: Free
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, playground, greenway access
Three dedicated courts with permanent nets, connected to the White Oak Creek Greenway. First-come, first-served with no reservation system. A solid daytime-only option with a relaxed neighborhood park feel. No equipment provided, so bring your own paddles and balls.
Indoor Courts
Herbert C. Young Community Center
- Address: 101 Wilkinson Ave, Cary, NC 27513
- Website: Herb Young Community Center
- Phone: (919) 460-4965
- Courts: 4 indoor courts (gymnasium, portable nets)
- Surface: Wood floor
- Cost: Seniors $1 (residents) / $2 (non-residents)
- Extras: Locker rooms, restrooms, beginner-friendly open gym sessions
The Town of Cary runs pickleball through its Community Centers Open Gym program here. Schedules change seasonally, so check the town website or call ahead. A good option for rainy days and summer heat.
Life Time – Cary
- Address: 1700 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518
- Website: Life Time Cary Pickleball
- Phone: (919) 467-7779
- Courts: 3 indoor courts
- Surface: Hard court
- Membership: Starting at $179/month (Signature membership includes court reservations)
- Extras: Pro shop, lessons, clinics, open play, locker rooms, food
Full-service indoor pickleball inside a premium fitness club. Court reservations are complimentary with a Signature membership. Free Intro to Pickleball classes available for new players. Book through the Life Time app.
Cary Pickleball Courts
| Court | Type | Courts | Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCrimmon | Outdoor | 6 | Free | Dawn-Dusk |
| Tennis Park | Outdoor | 4 | Free | 8 AM-10 PM |
| Ed Yerha | Outdoor | 3 | Free | Rise-Set |
| Herb Young | Indoor | 4 | $1-$2 | Scheduled |
| Life Time | Indoor | 3 | Membership | Varies |
Local Resources
Clubs & Organizations
- Town of Cary Pickleball – official programs, leagues, Pickleball University classes
- Cary Pickleball – local Facebook group for open play and events
Gear & Lessons
- Cary Tennis Park Pro Shop – paddles, balls, and accessories on-site
- Pickleball University – IPTPA-certified instruction through the Town of Cary
Nearby Cities
- Durham Pickleball Courts – Quick Guide
- Raleigh Pickleball Courts – Quick Guide
- Chapel Hill Pickleball Courts – Quick Guide
References
- Total Courts: 60+ (public + private)
- Free Courts: 13 (McCrimmon, Cary Tennis Park, Ed Yerha)
- Best Beginner Spot: Herbert C. Young Community Center – low-cost indoor play
- Busiest Times: Weekend mornings and weekday evenings
- Lighted Courts: McCrimmon Park (6), Cary Tennis Park (4)
- Reservations: Town of Cary RecTrac or call (919) 462-2061
FAQs
Can I just show up and play at Cary’s public courts?
Yes. McCrimmon Park and Ed Yerha Park are free and first-come, first-served with no reservation needed. Cary Tennis Park also offers free walk-up play, though passholders and reservations get priority. Limit play to one hour when others are waiting.
Which courts are best for evening play?
McCrimmon Park has six lighted courts and Cary Tennis Park has four lighted courts. Both stay open until dusk or 10 PM respectively. Ed Yerha Park closes at sunset with no lights.
Where can beginners learn to play in Cary?
The Town of Cary runs Pickleball University through Cary Tennis Park, with IPTPA-certified instructors offering classes from introductory to advanced levels. Life Time Cary also offers free Intro to Pickleball classes for members.
How do I reserve a court at Cary Tennis Park?
Annual passholders can book through the Plan-2-Play app up to seven days in advance. All other players can reserve online through RecTrac up to 16 hours ahead at $8 per hour. Walk-up play is also available when courts are open.
