Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing trends in the country, especially in Libertyville. Whether there’s been transformation or construction, it’s crucial to know which pickleball courts are the best to play at. Taking into account the rotation systems, lighting, structure and busyness, here are the rankings for the four closest outdoor contenders near Libertyville.
- Nicholas Dowden – 920 Crane Blvd, Libertyville, IL 60048, USA
After its revamp in 2024, Nicholas Dowden has been given six more pickleball courts located east. The courts feature an all-around ten-foot tall fence with wind blockers on two of the four sides. There are several entrances from all around; however, many are locked, leaving only two in use. Inside the gate, there are two areas separated by a smaller fence, with three courts on either side. The area is mostly clean, and there is a community court roller that is free to use. The play system is not structured and the courts are not labeled, so joining in on a match can be confusing and difficult. Also, having three courts on each side can be crowded and can result in several interferences due to other game balls. The court has good natural light during the day, but no park lights when it starts to get dark. In terms of popularity, the court is relatively open the majority of the time, with only a few visitors who stay for a few hours. Nicolas Dowden is a good, casual playing court for the average beginner of pickleball, but for a smoother, more experienced player, I would recommend finding a different outside court.
2. O’Plaine Community Park- Russell Ave, Gurnee, IL, 60031, USA
With an outstanding eight outdoor courts, this location is very organized. There are small numbers on each court and several rollers all around. There are sheer wind resistors on every side of the complex and a nearby restroom that the public can use. Despite the number of courts, the traffic is not bad at all. You could play several matches before having to rotate, but by then, you would be done playing pickleball altogether. There is not a good rotation system in place, but the aesthetic and qualities of the court make up for it.
3. Paul M. Neal Park- New Castle Drive, Libertyville, IL 60048, USA
Almost hidden, this court is located in a residential neighborhood. It features four courts, all numbered with a hanging paddle system to rotate games. It is very organized and, therefore, very busy. Almost every time I’ve been there, the rotation system has been in effect and is strictly enforced by local neighbors and parents. Otherwise, there are windblockers that help with privacy on one end of the entire court. In addition, there are no park lights and it gets very dark at its location easily. There is a community broom and roller that users can clean up with, but, other than that, it doesn’t stand out too much. I would recommend this court if you don’t plan on playing for a while and are okay waiting your turn.
4. Deerpath Park – 299 Onwentsia Rd, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, USA
Featuring six courts, this park doesn’t stick out. It’s too crowded, the rotation system is chaotic and, overall, the whole experience at this court is bad. I’m not even sure if this court has a public roller because of how many times it’s nowhere to be seen (and it doesn’t help that there are no park lights). The courts aren’t numbered, but there are wind blockers on the entire exterior of the gates.
Overall, several good outdoor pickleball courts are available near Libertyville. I would recommend any of these to different types of players, as all are in good locations with valuable amenities.
