FDR & Seger: The Best Free Public Pickleball Courts in Philadelphia
Last updated: January 2026
Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, and each neighborhood has its own pickleball identity. In South Philly, it’s the gritty, high-energy scene at FDR Park. In Center City, it’s the tight-knit community at Seger Park. If you want to play for free, you need to know the local rules. Here is your guide to navigating the public courts of Philly.
1. FDR Park (The "Mecca")
Located in the shadow of the sports stadiums and underneath the I-95 overpass, FDR Park is the undisputed capital of Philly pickleball. It features 10+ dedicated courts that were converted from old tennis courts.
- The Vibe: Unapologetically Philly. It is loud, windy, and full of energy. You will hear highway traffic and booming music.
- The "Open Play" System: It is almost always open play. You don't need a reservation. You just show up, find the paddle rack, and stack.
- The Wind: Because it is an open park near the river, the wind can be brutal. If you aren't used to playing in 15mph gusts, keep your drives low.
2. Seger Park (The "Center City" Hub)
Located at 10th and Lombard, Seger Park is the most convenient spot for downtown residents. But convenience comes with a catch: Crowds.
- The Reservation Hack: This is crucial. While it is a public park, the Seger Park Pickleball community uses a reservation system (often via an app like TeamReach or similar local setups) during peak hours to manage the chaos.
- The Membership: There is an optional annual fee to join the "Pickleball Club" which grants you priority booking windows. Without it, you are often fighting for scraps during the workday.
3. Water Tower Rec (Chestnut Hill)
If you want a quieter experience and don't mind a drive, head to Chestnut Hill. Water Tower Rec Center has dedicated pickleball courts that are pristine and surrounded by trees. The waits are shorter, and the play is slightly more relaxed than the downtown cages.
| Park | Neighborhood | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDR Park | South Philly | Gritty / Loud | Drop-in / Groups |
| Seger Park | Center City | Tight-knit | Locals / Walkers |
| Water Tower | Chestnut Hill | Suburban | Relaxed Play |
| DeCou Fields | Cherry Hill (NJ) | Spacious | Weekend Trips |
How to "Paddle Stack" in Philly
If you walk onto a court at FDR Park while people are waiting, you will get yelled at. Here is the etiquette:
- Locate the Rack: Look for the fence or a plastic bin with paddles lined up.
- The "4-on-4-off" Rule: When the courts are full (which is always), games are played to 11. When the game ends, all 4 players leave, and the next 4 paddles in the stack go on.
- Don't Move Paddles: Never rearrange the stack. It is a sacred queue.
From December to March, the nets at some public parks may be taken down, or the courts may be icy. Always have a backup plan. Check our Indoor Pickleball Guide for where to play when the parks are frozen.
Don't Get Stacked Out
Public play is survival of the fittest. If you want to win more games so you can hold the court (during "winners stay" hours), you need to improve your game. Book a private lesson with Golden Racket Academy, and we will teach you the kitchen strategies that dominate the local parks.