Movement is Medicine: Pickleball in Pittsburgh
Movement is Medicine: Pickleball in Pittsburgh
One of the best ways to keep our bones and joints healthy is to consistently use them. Movement keeps our bodies fluid and strong, while inactivity can set off a cascade of problems such as bone loss, stiffness, aches, and a growing reluctance to get up and move again. When we continue down a sedentary path, this vicious cycle can contribute to conditions like osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.
Just as a heart attack signals a failure of the cardiovascular system, prolonged inactivity can trigger what we like to call a “bone attack.” Your bones weaken, joints protest, and the everyday activities you love or need to do feels harder than they should be.
The good news? You have more control than you think! One of the most effective ways to prevent a bone attack is to simply keep moving. One of our favorite games to recommend is pickleball.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. What makes pickleball especially great for our bones and joints is that it provides movement without over-strain. The game is built on short bursts of activity, quick reactions, and plenty of weight-bearing movement that helps strengthen our bones and improve our balance. Unlike sports that demand relentless speed and power, pickleball rewards sharp reflexes and quick thinking. The smaller court and underhand serve also mean less pounding on the hips, knees and ankles. In other words, you don’t need to be the fastest or strongest to excel, you just need awareness, agility and strategy.
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, and Pittsburgh is firmly a part of that wave. We have seen new courts pop-up all over the city and its suburbs, so pick up a paddle and a group of friends this fall to keep your bones and joints happy and healthy! Here are 10 free pickleball courts in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas with links to additional information.
In the City:
Schenley Park: There are four courts at Schenley that are all free to use and they have lights that stay on until 11:00pm for some late-night players.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/schenley-park
Allegheny Commons Park: There are 2 lighted courts here that are available to use.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/allegheny-commons-park
Northern Pittsburgh:
North Park Pickleball Courts: North Park has eight pickleball courts that are free. Players have access to lights, bathroom, and water at these courts.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/united-states/north-park-pickleball-courts
Blueberry Hill Franklin Park: Three outdoor courts are free to use but are also available to reserve if you’re planning in advance!
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/sewickley/blueberry-hill-franklin-park
Eastern Pittsburgh:
Boyce Park Courts: They have six outdoor courts that are free to use with access to restrooms and water.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/plum/boyce-park-courts
Verona Riverbank Park: They have four wheelchair-accessible outdoor courts that are free to use.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/verona/verona-riverbank-park
Southern Pittsburgh:
Millennium Park: Our largest on the list! Ten courts are free to use here. https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/bethel-park/millennium-park
Southpark Tennis Courts: Six outdoor courts are free to use with access to restrooms and water.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/library/south-park-tennis-courts
Western Pittsburgh:
Moon Park: There are six total courts here. Two are dedicated pickleball courts, and four are tennis courts with pickleball lines.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/united-states/moon-park
Burkett Park: Three outdoor courts are free to use.
https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/us/pennsylvania/mckees-rocks/burkett-park
