If you are looking for where to play, click here.
New players: looking for a great deal on a paddle: click here.
Mission Statement: To foster Pickleball in the greater Athens area by educating the community about and assisting the local government to improve public Pickleball facilities.

Did you know?

  • Pickleball is now the fastest growing sport both locally and statewide, and for the last 15 years, the fastest growing sport in America.
  • The TRUE creation of Pickleball: Maybe it wasn’t a dog… Read here.
  • The sport is especially favored by seniors but is being played by people of all ages. Our courts are often filled with UGA students. (The youngest 5.0 player was 12 yrs. old when he reached that rank.)
  • The Athens Area Pickleball Association (AAPA) began with just six interested people in 2013.
  • As the governing and organizing body for pickleball play in the Athens area, AAPA promotes the sport as well as works with schools, community centers, and others to give back to the community.
  • There are now more than 500 pickleball players in the Athens area. AAPA has seen an annualized growth of >36% from 2015–2020. 

   

  • Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department has done an amazing job of meeting our need for places to play. Beginning with three indoor courts at Thomas Lay Park just five years ago, Leisure Services now provides six indoor courts, 16 courts shared with tennis, and a beautiful six court pickleball only facility at Southeast Clarke Park. The university’s Ramsey Center, YWCO, and some local churches have also provided courts to our many pickleball enthusiasts. 
  • Athens is recognized as one of the top places in Georgia for Pickleball. Our purpose is to promote, encourage, teach, and play Pickleball in the Athens Area. Everyone is welcome!  ​
“We relocated to Athens from out of state. The primary factor  in our decision was an established and vibrant pickleball community.“ Katherine W.

You are needed

  • Please Join/Renew our Athens Area Pickleball Association. You will be helping us supply the balls you play with and the nets you use, and you'll be joining a great group of Pickleballers. 
  • First timers get an AAPA car magnet. All members get a vote at our general meetings and receive the combination to our storage lockers at the outdoor parks. It’s $25.00 a year per person or $40 per family (same household).

What we do

  • Free instruction for beginners at Aaron Heard Community Center every Monday morning (see Where We Play for address)
  • Quarterly luncheons (potluck) and social events 
  • Regular communication with updates regarding closings, upcoming events, and recognition of AAPA member success
  • Work with Athens Leisure Services and other community leaders to ensure numerous places to play (inside and outside) free of charge.
  • Maintain an active website with information related to places to play, pickleball rules, self rating, discounts, paddle exchange, and more
  • Provide nets and balls as well as assist with improving facilities
  • Offer more outdoor play for members and a special code for nets and balls at certain facilities in Athens

What you can do

There are many opportunities to become involved with AAPA other than just playing. The Board of Directors is always looking for more volunteers to help throughout the year. If there is a committee you might be interested in working on email athensareapickleball@gmail.com and the committee chair will contact you.
  • Membership Committee: promote pickleball and help with social media
  • Social Committee: assist with quarterly luncheons and other events
  • Tournaments/Clinics: help set up round robins, tournaments, clinics
Southeast Clarke Park's permanent courts.
Photo from an airplane by Dylan Miller