FAQ: SMPC

SMPC was founded January 2022 by a small, passionate band of pickleball players in Santa Monica, CA. In less than 2 years, we’ve grown to almost 2000 players. We are working with the city of Santa Monica to secure dedicated pickleball courts, but in the meantime we share Memorial Park courts. Following are a few answers to make your time with us more enjoyable. We welcome players of all ages and abilities. Send us your Qs.

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OPEN PLAY

Do I have to be a member of your club to play during SMPC Open Play?

  • No! We welcome all players of all ages and abilities to come join us during our Open Play sessions. SMPC hosts free Open Play and even has equipment for players to borrow during our sessions. Always check our website for Open Play hours as they may change depending on permit availability.

How much do you charge for SMPC Open Play?

  • SMPC Open Play is free. We pay for the city permit so all pickleball players can come enjoy pickleball and our amazing community for free.

Where do I register for SMPC Open Play?

  • SMPC Open Play does not require a reservation. Just show up and join us. See our homepage for our Open Play schedule.

Do I have to be a Santa Monica resident to play during SMPC Open Play?

  • No, we welcome players from all over the world to join in the fun.

Do you have equipment I can borrow?

  • Yes, we have a variety of paddles for players to utilize during our SMPC Open Play sessions. Additionally, we provide nets and generally have a few balls if needed. We do not, however, have loaner sneakers.

LOCATION / MEMORIAL PARK

Where are you located?

  • Currently, the only public courts in Santa Monica which are allowed to be used for pickleball are at Memorial Park. Located at 1401 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Is there parking?

  • Yes, there is free parking at the courts off of 14th Street.

Are you near city transportation?

  • Yes. There is an Expo Line station conveniently located between 16th and 17th on Colorado which is a short, 10 minute walk to the courts. Additionally, there are multiple Big Blue Bus lines which stop near and around Memorial Park.

How many courts are there?

  • Memorial Park has 4 tennis courts which potentially converts to 16 pickleball courts. However, the number of pickleball courts we are able to secure varies depending on permit availability. Typically, we are able to secure between 4-12 pickleball courts and occasionally for special events we are able to provide 16.

Courts 3 and 4 have semi-permanent nets, where did those come from?

Thanks to the donations from our generous members, SMPC purchased and installed those nets with permission from the city of Santa Monica. They are there for all to use at all times when the courts are open unless otherwise permitted for a specific event such as our Round Robins or Clinics, or tennis.

Is there seating on the courts?

There is very limited seating available on the courts. Many players bring small portable seats. Please be mindful that any seating brought on the courts must easily fit on the sidelines and not interfere with play on any courts.

Are there restrooms?

There is a restroom in the Memorial Park building but it is only open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 12 – 7; Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-9; and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5. There are also restrooms available on the walkway between the baseball fields, just northeast of the skate park.  Please see our map if you have questions.

GENERAL

Do you have a lost and found?

  • We do not. Please check the front desk office at Memorial Park.