The Ankeny Brief
Four places we could confirm, two outside and two inside. If it is above freezing and you do not mind waiting, go to the Rally Complex. In winter, pick by budget.
The Rally Complex, at 725 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, has 12 stand-alone courts, a park shelter and restrooms. Nets are up; bring your own paddles and balls. Lights run from dusk until 10:30 p.m., and you turn them on with the push button on the west side of the restrooms. That detail saves a lot of standing around in the dark.
When every court is full, the city's rules switch to rotational doubles:
Also in the rules: non-marking athletic shoes only, and no food, drink, glass, smoking, vaping, animals, bikes or scooters on the courts. Do not shovel the courts; the city prohibits snow removal. Parks & Recreation has priority for its own programs, and private lessons need city approval.
On the north side at 1914 NW Hickory Ln, Greentree has 4 pickleball courts next to 2 tennis courts. The city has no reservation system for them that we could find, so treat it as a walk-up spot. Questions go to 515-963-3570.
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You only need one if you want a guaranteed slot. The other eight courts always stay walk-up unless the city has an event.
Book online or scan the QR code posted at each court. There are no refunds for cancellations, but if weather knocks you out, contact Parks & Recreation at 515-963-3570 within three business days for a credit. Tournaments rent blocks of 4, 8 or 12 courts with at least 8 days notice, plus a complex fee for 3 hours or more. The city also runs spring and fall leagues and clinics for all levels; find them on the Rally Complex page.
Albaugh Family Senior Community Center, 150 NW Ash Drive, is the cheap option and is not only for seniors. Three courts get set up for drop-in play, all skill levels are welcome, and equipment is provided if you need it. It costs a $5 day pass or nothing with a membership. Annual membership for Ankeny residents is $47 at age 60 and up, $94 under 60. Nonresidents pay $94 and $140. Check the monthly gym schedule, since sessions move around and players are asked to stay for one session only. There is also a Learn to Play session.
Polk County Pickleball, 2222 SW Vintage Pkwy, 515-877-7272, is a dedicated seven-court club open Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You don't need a membership to play.
It rents courts in 30-minute blocks through its app, and runs clinics, private lessons, leagues, tournaments and a ball machine. At $12 a session, the $48 plan breaks even at four open play sessions a month.
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Outdoors, the Rally Complex at 725 SW Prairie Trail Parkway has 12 lighted courts and Greentree Park at 1914 NW Hickory Lane has 4. Indoors, the Albaugh Family Senior Community Center runs drop-in play and Polk County Pickleball at 2222 SW Vintage Pkwy has 7 courts.
Yes at the outdoor courts. The Rally Complex is first-come, first-served, and only courts 1 to 4 can be rented, at $10 an hour per court. Indoors, the Albaugh Center is a $5 day pass or free with membership, and open play at Polk County Pickleball is $12 a session without a membership.
The Rally Complex courts are open daily from dawn to 10:30 p.m., first-come, first-served unless courts are reserved or scheduled activities are taking place. Lights run from dusk to 10:30 p.m. with a push button on the west side of the restrooms.
Yes. At the Rally Complex, courts 1 to 4 cost $10 an hour per court and can be reserved up to seven days in advance, in one-hour increments, limited to two hours per day per person. There are no refunds for cancellations.
When all courts are in use, play is rotational doubles. Put your paddle in the rack, play one game to 11, win by 2 with a cap of 15, then everyone leaves the court and the next players rotate in.
Yes. The Albaugh Family Senior Community Center at 150 NW Ash Drive has three courts for drop-in play, and Polk County Pickleball at 2222 SW Vintage Pkwy has seven courts open seven days a week.
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