Pickleball
Come check out pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States. A combination of tennis, badminton, and paddleball, it is played on a smaller version of a tennis court, with graphite paddles and a whiffle ball. It is easy to learn; fun for youth, adult, and senior players; a good workout; and very social as well as competitive. Players will meet and compete against other players of similar skills levels.
The City of Irvine has eight lit pickleball courts located at Mike Ward Community Park, six lit pickleball courts located at Portola Springs Community Park, four lit pickleball courts located at Heritage Park, and two lit pickleball courts located at Los Olivos Community Park. In addition, there are 10 hybrid tennis and pickleball courts located at the following parks: Heritage, Knollcrest, Los Olivos, Portola Springs, San Carlo, Turtle Rock, and University. In addition, the City is evaluating building pickleball courts at the Great Park.
For general pickleball questions, please call 949-724-6417 or email pickleball@cityofirvine.org.
Pickleball Court Reservations
Pickleball court reservations are now available at Portola Springs Community Park (Courts #5 and #6) and Mike Ward Community Park (Courts #3 and #4). Residents may book up to five days in advance, while non-residents may book three days in advance.
All reservations must be made online by visiting yourirvine.org.
- Resident Rate: $17/hr
- Non-Resident Rate: $19/hr
Reservations can be made in one or two hour increments, with individuals allowed to have one reservation per day.
Courts can be reserved Monday through Sunday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to noon, and 4 to 10 p.m.
Please have your proof of the Facility Rental Permit upon request.
Do not enter the court until your reservation time has begun, and please vacate the court once your reservation time has ended.
Portola Springs Park Courts #5 and #6 and Mike Ward Park Courts #3 and #4 can be used for drop-in play if there is no reservation or if a reservation no-shows. Please immediately vacate the court if a reservation holder arrives during their allotted time.
Reservations are nonrefundable with the exception of inclement weather. Inclement weather may include rain, wind, unhealthy air quality, extreme heat, or as deemed by City staff. Reservations cannot be transferred to another date or individual.
Pickleball Court Reservations are for non-commercial use only. Commercial use on City property requires a permit or written approval by the City of Irvine
For additional information, contact pickleball@cityofirvine.org or 949-724-6417.
Junior and Adult Group Classes & Private Lessons
City of Irvine contract instructors teach junior, adult and private pickleball lessons at Mike Ward Community Park, Portola Springs Community Park and Heritage Park.
Irvine Team Pickleball (ITP)
Overview
Irvine Team Pickleball (ITP) is a premier socially competitive and recreational league. The 8-week season features a 7-week Round Robin followed by a final playoff week.
Match Format & Scoring
Each match consists of 9 games: 3 Men’s Doubles, 3 Women’s Doubles, and 3 Mixed Doubles. All play follows USAPA rules and traditional side-out scoring. Games are played to 11 (win-by-1). The team with the highest cumulative point total across all 9 games wins the match. If total points are tied at the end of the match, a Mixed Doubles "Showdown" game to 7 (win-by-1) will determine the winner.
Playoffs
Every team plays in the final week. Seed placement is determined by the overall total points accumulated throughout the season. The top two seeds compete for 1st/2nd place, the next two compete for 3rd/4th, and so on.
Divisions & Locations
To ensure fair play, DUPR ratings must be verified. Players are expected to compete at their true skill level; participating in a lower division than the one you competed in during the previous season is not permitted.
Upper Division (3.0–3.5 DUPR):
Intermediate level at Mike Ward Community Park.
Players have a comprehensive knowledge of official rules. They have high-success serves and returns followed by a purposeful third-shot drop attempt. Drive use becomes more consistent and tactically integrated.
Opening Match: Tuesday, 6/2 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Championship Match: Tuesday, 7/28 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Important Upper Division Dates:
- Registration Opens: Wednesday, 4/15 at 12:00 AM
- Player Registration Closes: Friday, 5/15 at 11:59 PM
- Sub Registration Closes: Monday, 6/15 at 11:59 PM
- Roster Assignments Issued: Monday, 5/25
- Opening Match: Tuesday, 6/2 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Championship Match: Tuesday, 7/28 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Lower Division (2.5–3.0 DUPR):
Advanced Beginner level at Portola Springs Community Park.
Players hit the ball over the net with increasing reliability. Transition from basic mechanics to functional understanding of game dynamics and court coverage.
Important Lower Division Dates:
Registration Opens: Wednesday, 4/15 at 12:00 AM
Player Registration Closes: Friday, 5/15 at 11:59 PM
Sub Registration Closes: Monday, 6/15 at 11:59 PM
Roster Assignments Issued: Monday, 5/25
Opening Match: Thursday, 6/4 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Championship Match: Thursday, 7/30 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Registration & Team Management:
Teams consist of 4-6 players (3 men and 3 women maximum). You may register as a free agent or with a group of friends. To ensure balanced competition, the League Director will assign players to teams prior to the start of the season. Once you have registered, please email the League Director with the following details:
- Full Name
- Gender (Male/Female)
- Preferred Contact Method: (e.g., phone or email)
- Current DUPR Rating
(If unrated, please provide a self-assessment estimate)
Teammate Requests:
- If you would like to be paired with a specific person, please include their name in your email.
- Captains are chosen on a volunteer basis. If no one on a team steps up, a captain will be assigned at random. Please include captain volunteering requests in your email to the League Director. A sub pool is available for teams that need extra players. There is no cost to join the league as a sub, though playing time is not guaranteed.
League Fees:
- League Players: $40 per person
- Substitutes: Free
For more information about self-rating, please follow this link: https://usapickleball.org/player-skill-rating-definitions/
For more information about USAPA rules, please follow this link: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/rules-summary/
For more information about the rules of ITP, please follow this link: RULES
Withdrawal Procedure
All withdrawal/refund requests must be received in writing to pickleball@cityofirvine.org. Withdrawal/refund requests received at least 7 days before the first day of the camp or class are subject to a $5.00 processing fee per participant, per class. Withdrawal/refund requests for classes are not available if the request falls within 6 days of the class start date. Withdrawal/refund requests for camps received prior to the start of the 2nd day of camp are processed less 50% of the enrollment fee. If a participant misses a class or camp session, no credits or make-up sessions will be available.