Open play (also called drop-in play) is the easiest way to get on a pickleball court in Denver. No partners needed, no reservations required—just show up, put your paddle in the queue, and rotate into games. Here's how it works and where to find it.
How Open Play Works
- Arrive and check in: Some facilities have sign-up sheets; others are informal
- Paddle up: Place your paddle in the rack/line to claim your spot
- Wait your turn: When a game ends, next 4 paddles in line play
- Play one game: Winners may stay, or everyone rotates (varies by location)
- Rotate out: Put your paddle back in line, repeat
Open Play Etiquette
- Don't cherry-pick partners: Play with whoever's next in line
- Keep games moving: Limit warm-up between games
- Call the score loudly: Everyone should hear it
- Be welcoming to beginners: Open play is for all levels
- Rotate fairly: Don't skip the line or hold courts
Where to Find Open Play in Denver
Recreation Centers
Most rec centers designate specific hours for pickleball open play:
- Central Park Rec Center — Regular morning open play
- Washington Park Rec Center — Popular Denver location
- Apex Center (Arvada) — Check schedule for drop-in times
Dedicated Facilities
- Epic Pickleball Club — Scheduled open play sessions by skill level
- Club Volo SoBo — Indoor open play options
Public Outdoor Courts
These parks often have informal open play, especially mornings and weekends:
- Congress Park — Regular morning crowd
- Berkeley Park — Active player community
- Clement Park (Lakewood) — Large group of regulars
- Utah Park (Aurora) — East side hot spot
Best Times for Open Play
- Weekday mornings (7-10am): Retiree crowd, less crowded
- Weekday evenings (5-8pm): After-work players, busier
- Weekend mornings: Most popular time, expect waits
- Winter: Indoor facilities are packed; outdoor is empty
Skill-Level Open Play
Some facilities organize open play by skill:
- Beginner (2.0-2.5): Learning the basics
- Intermediate (3.0-3.5): Consistent rallies, developing strategy
- Advanced (4.0+): Competitive play
Check facility schedules—playing at your level makes for better games.
Finding Open Play Groups
- Facebook groups: "Denver Pickleball," "Colorado Pickleball Players"
- Meetup.com: Search for pickleball groups in Denver
- Facility bulletin boards: Often post informal group info
- Ask regulars: Show up and ask when people usually play
What to Bring
- Your paddle (rentals sometimes available)
- Outdoor or indoor balls (depending on court)
- Water (lots of it at altitude)
- Towel and sunscreen for outdoor play
- Court shoes (not running shoes)
Ready for more structure? Try league play or take some lessons.