Beyond High Point: The Best Free & Neighborhood Pickleball Courts in Plano
Last updated: January 2026
High Point is great, but it requires a reservation and a fee. Pickleball Kingdom is amazing, but it requires a membership. What if you just want to grab your paddle and play for free on a Tuesday evening? You need to leave the major hubs and head into the neighborhoods. Plano is full of hidden courts—if you know where to look.
1. Carpenter Park (The Overflow Hub)
Located near Coit Rd, Carpenter Park is the best alternative to High Point.
- Outdoor: There are 4 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts. They are free, first-come, first-served, and have permanent nets.
- The Crowd: Because it is free, it gets busy. However, the culture is very "open play" friendly. If you show up solo, you can usually rotate in.
- Indoor Option: The Rec Center right next door offers indoor play on wooden floors during scheduled times for a small drop-in fee ($3-$6).
2. The "Middle School" Secret
While Plano Senior Highs are often locked down for tennis, the Middle Schools are the hidden gems of the pickleball world. Many have recently added pickleball lines to their tennis courts.
Rice Middle School (Russell Creek)
The courts here are often dual-lined. It’s a quiet spot on weekends. Important: You are playing over a tennis net (which is 2 inches higher in the middle than a pickleball net). For casual play, it’s fine. For serious play, brings a portable net and set it up on the side if space allows.
Schimelpfenig Middle School (Central Plano)
Another reliable spot with open gates after 6:00 PM. The surface is decent, and the lights are usually user-operable via a push-button timer.
3. Rec Centers (Indoor on a Budget)
If you want AC but don't want to pay $150/month for a private club, Plano's Rec Centers are the answer. Check the "Open Play" schedules online before you go.
- Tom Muehlenbeck Rec Center (West Plano): The nicest public facility in the city. High ceilings, good lighting, but crowded.
- Liberty Rec Center (Central): Older, but often has more open slots for pickleball.
- Cost: Residents pay a nominal fee (usually under $5) per session.
4. Comparison Table
| Location | Type | Cost | Nets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter Park | Dedicated Outdoor | Free | Permanent |
| Rice Middle School | Shared / Overlay | Free | Tennis Net (Dual Use) |
| Tom Muehlenbeck | Indoor Rec | ~$6 Drop-In | Portable (Provided) |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a portable net for school courts?
It is recommended. While you can play over the existing tennis net, it is technically 36" high at the center (Pickleball requires 34"). Bringing a portable net ensures a regulation game.
Are the lights free at Carpenter Park?
Yes. The outdoor courts at Carpenter Park are lighted until around 10:30 PM. The lights are automatic or push-button operated.
Master the Overflow Courts
Playing on different surfaces—from the concrete at Rice Middle School to the gym floor at Tom Muehlenbeck—requires adaptability. Golden Racket Academy offers lessons that teach you how to adjust your game to any environment.