The Best Free Public Pickleball Courts in Atlanta (2026)
Last updated: January 2026
You don't need an expensive membership at Painted Pickle to enjoy the game. Atlanta's surrounding cities have stepped up, building incredible public parks dedicated to the sport. The catch? They are crowded. Here is where to find free games and how to navigate the public park culture.
1. Hammond Park (Sandy Springs)
This is arguably the "Mecca" of free outdoor pickleball in the metro area. Located just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs, Hammond Park features massive infrastructure dedicated solely to pickleball.
- The Setup: 12+ dedicated courts with permanent nets and excellent LED lighting for night play.
- The Culture: It is highly social but intensely crowded on weeknights.
- The "Paddle Stack": Because it's so busy, you must learn to "stack your paddle." There is usually a rack system. You put your paddle in line, and when a court opens up, the next four paddles go on.
2. Shaw Park (Marietta/Cobb County)
Another fantastic facility located northwest of the city. Like Hammond, these are dedicated courts, meaning you won't be confused by dozens of stray tennis lines on the court.
3. The "Overlay" Courts (City of Atlanta)
Inside the city limits (like Piedmont Park or Grant Park), dedicated pickleball courts are rarer. Most often, you will find tennis courts that have had pickleball lines painted over them ("overlays").
Warning: On some overlay courts, you must bring your own portable net. Always check the Atlanta Parks & Rec site before heading out, or you might be playing over a drooping tennis net.
| Park | Location | Type | Lights? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammond Park | Sandy Springs | Dedicated | Yes (Excellent) |
| Shaw Park | Marietta | Dedicated | Yes |
| Bunten Road | Duluth | Dedicated | Yes |
| Piedmont Park | Midtown | Overlay | Yes |
Public parks close when the courts are wet for safety. If the weather turns, check out our comparison of Painted Pickle vs. APC for indoor options.
From Park Play to League Play
Public parks are the best place to learn the game and meet potential doubles partners without spending a dime. Once you have mastered the basics at Hammond Park, you'll be ready to join an ALTA Pickleball team.
If you want to skip the frustration of learning by trial-and-error at a crowded park, hire a Golden Racket Academy coach to teach you the fundamentals correctly the first time.