How To Play Pickleball At Fritz Burns Park | La Quinta, California
Last Updated: June 20, 2023
Time: 4:15 PM
Playing In The Morning
Monday - Sunday, every morning you will find local pickleball players at Fritz Burns Park playing pickleball recreationally using the "next paddle method". The desert hosts two seasons “summer” and “the season”. Below is a breakdown of the best times to play during both seasons.
*If you want to play with only your friends or family, then your best bet is showing up later in the day when the crowd has died down. This landing page is designated for recreational play only.
The Season (November-May)
7:00 AM-2:00 PM | Outside of our summer season, the weather in Coachella Valley is fantastic, and games can be played all day. Expect a large group of players during the season. The busy time is 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. Waits can be 20-45 mins in between each game at the peak. If you show up early or toward the tail-end, it's great. Showing up at the tail-end is difficult because it's ever-fluctuating.
Summer (June-October)
6:30 AM-9:30 AM | The temperature will be in the 100’s by 9:00AM during the peak of summer. There are still plenty of players available to play some good games, but expect a shorter session. Bring a hat, sunblock, and a lot of water because the onsite water fountain is basically useless due to extreme heat.
Playing At Night Time
There are brand new LED lights that were installed in 2022, providing exceptional lighting for night play. The play as of 2023 at night time is mostly private. Players will typically grab a court and hold onto it for the remainder of their play. The "next paddle method" is not typically the philosophy at night time, that is in most cases because the courts are not full with a line of players waiting to play. None the less, if the courts are full the rules of the courts are you must stack your paddle after your game so that the next players can play.
*When/if the courts become full and a line occurs, then the waiting players must place their paddles on the fence adjacent to the pod of 4 courts. If at least 4 paddles are waiting, then the next game that ends must exit the court and let the next 4 waiting paddles replace them on their court, to play a game to 11. Players place their paddles in chronological order.
If you are playing with a partner, combine paddles and place them in the paddle line. If you have a group of 4, combine paddles and place them in the paddle line. If you have a group of 3, combine your paddles and place them in the paddle line. If you are at the park as a solo player, place your single paddle in the paddle line.
When a game concludes, and it is time for the next 4 to enter the court, there are different variations that can start a game. Below are a few examples. Overall, it's simple, the next 4 are up.
Paddle Variation Examples
What To Bring
Bring a pickle ball paddle, a pickle ball, workout shoes with grip on the bottom, and a water bottle. This sport really doesn't require much to play, and there are a ton of really cool humans willing to play with you everyday for free.
Starter Kit: Niupipo Pickleball Paddlesk
Location & Directions
Located in the La Quinta, Cove. Wind patterns inside the city of La Quinta are much better than its neighboring cities. The consistent low winds, well-made courts, and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains are two big reasons why humans frequent this park for pickleball.