Ultimate Guide to Pickleball in Milwaukee's North Shore

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the pickleball landscape within Mequon, Fox Point, Bayside, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, and Shorewood, with options available for individuals, families, and children looking to engage in this increasingly popular activity.

Shorewood Pickleball

Shorewood offers free pickleball opportunities at both indoor and outdoor locations. The Shorewood High School Arena Gym, located at 1701 E Capitol Dr, features 4 courts with non-permanent nets. The Shorewood Recreation Department hosts Adult Pickleball Open Play here, with balls provided. Players can bring their own paddles or use those available. Court usage during open play is on a shared basis, without private reservations. A Pickleball Pass, available for purchase at the Fitness Center or Recreation Office, costs $36 for residents and $54 for non-residents and provides 8 punches valid for one year.

For Summer 2025, Shorewood offers a dedicated outdoor pickleball program at Atwater Tennis Courts (2100 E. Capitol Dr.). Sessions run Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm, June 7 through September 27, with instruction starting at 8 am and open intermediate play from 10 am to noon. Loaner paddles and balls are available, and registration opens April 1 for residents. NOTE: The Shorewood pickleball pass is not available for purchase online — instead punch cards are available for purchase in the Recreation Department and Fitness Center, 1701 East Capitol Drive Shorewood.

Whitefish Bay Pickleball

Whitefish Bay boasts the popular Klode Park, located at 5960 N Lake Dr, which features 4 permanent outdoor concrete pickleball courts that are open 8 am to 9 pm daily. These courts are free to play and offer amenities such as nearby restrooms and water. Organized play takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 PM, and on Saturdays at 9 AM.  

The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC), located at 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., provides both indoor and outdoor pickleball options. The JCC has two regulation-size indoor courts in the Marcus Gym and four full-sized recreational outdoor courts on the athletic fields of the Karl Community Campus, which are open seasonally. JCC members can reserve the outdoor courts, and drop-in play is also available. Non-members can access these facilities by purchasing monthly drop-in passes.

Fox Point Pickleball

Pickleball opportunities in Fox Point appear to center around the Nicolet Tennis & Pickleball Courts, located at Nicolet High School (6701 N. Jean Nicolet Rd, Glendale, WI 53217), which serves the Fox Point community. These courts are open to the public on weekdays from 3:30 PM until dark and on weekends and during the summer from 8:00 AM until dark, provided no events are scheduled. Access is on a first-come-first-served basis, and users are asked to refrain from playing music out of consideration for neighbors. The facility features 7 JV tennis courts that are also marked for 14 pickleball courts, with portable nets available for use. The Nicolet Recreation Department, which manages these courts, also offers beginner and intermediate pickleball lessons.  

In addition to public options, Fox Point residents have access to private pickleball play at The Town Club (7950 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Fox Point, WI 53217). This private membership-based club features dedicated pickleball courts and offers a full program of open play, clinics, and seasonal tournaments for all skill levels. The club has made efforts to balance community enjoyment with neighborhood considerations by implementing noise-reduction measures and setting specific playing hours. It’s a welcoming environment for both social and competitive players looking for a more structured pickleball experience.

Bayside Pickleball

Bayside offers pickleball at Ellsworth Park, located at 9075 N Regent Rd. The tennis and pickleball courts here are available for rent at a rate of $5 per hour per court for Bayside residents and $12 per hour per court for non-residents. Reservations, which are nonrefundable, can be made online on a first-come-first-served basis. Currently, the park has two tennis courts and two pickleball courts. Excitingly, these facilities are slated for maintenance in the summer of 2025, commencing around July 15th and lasting approximately one month. This project will result in six new dedicated pickleball courts and two tennis courts. During the construction period, the courts will be closed, and reservations will be unavailable.  

The Bayside Pickleball Club, accessible through baysidepickleball.com, appears to be a key local organization. While one snippet mentions a location in Florida , the domain suggests a local presence. This organization aims to foster the growth of pickleball in Bayside by providing a directory of both outdoor and indoor courts, along with information on community events and pickleball lessons. The club also mentions hosting "Fun Events & Tournaments" and offers membership benefits such as priority court access.

Glendale Pickleball

Glendale provides both free and fee-based options for pickleball enthusiasts. Good Hope Courts, located at 2205 Good Hope Rd, offers 3 outdoor pickleball courts that are free and open to the public. These are lined tennis courts that also facilitate pickleball play. Organized play sessions are held on Sunday and Friday mornings. While most sources do not mention lighting , one source indicates the presence of lighting , requiring verification for those interested in evening play.  

For indoor pickleball, Elite Sports Club - River Glen, situated at 2001 W Good Hope Rd, offers comprehensive programming. This facility requires membership and welcomes players of all skill levels, providing professional coaching and support. Members can participate in leagues, tournaments, open play sessions, and mixers. Additionally, as mentioned previously, the Nicolet Tennis & Pickleball Courts in Glendale also serve the Fox Point community.  

Mequon Pickleball

Mequon provides a mix of public and private pickleball court facilities. For those seeking publicly accessible options, the Range Line Community Center, located at 11040 N Range Line Rd, currently features 3 indoor wood courts. These courts have permanent lines, but players need to bring their own nets. Reservations are possible, and a one-time fee is required to play. The Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department manages these facilities. Looking towards the future, the Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) has plans to construct 8 public outdoor pickleball courts at the same location. This development marks a significant expansion of pickleball facilities in the city, offering its first dedicated outdoor courts. The project will include necessary amenities like walkways, fencing, and windscreens. Once completed, the outdoor courts will operate on a first-come-first-served basis, similar to the existing tennis courts at Homestead High School.

Another potential public option is Virmond Park, situated on Lake Michigan at 10606 N Lake Shore Dr. Virmond Park is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Mequon. The one outdoor hard court has its lines overlaid on a tennis court, so the net is a little taller than a normal pickleball net. Players have access to restrooms and water. The court is free.

For those preferring membership-based or fee-access facilities, the River Club of Mequon, located at 12400 North Ville Du Parc Drive, is set to become a prominent pickleball venue with 8 courts. While an opening in mid-July 2023 was mentioned , it is advisable to verify the current status. Alongside the pickleball courts, the club also features tennis courts and a pro shop. They offer classes for both junior and adult players of all skill levels, as well as private and group lessons. The Facility, at 10725 Executive Court, offers 9 courts with a noted one-time fee, the specifics of which would be beneficial to clarify. Elite Sports Club - Mequon, located at 11616 N Port Washington Rd, provides 2 indoor hard courts equipped with permanent lines and portable nets. Access to these courts requires a membership, and reservations are not currently available. The club can be contacted at (262) 241-4250, and more information is available on their website. Elite Sports Club caters to players of all skill levels, offering programs, lessons, training, and tournaments, fostering a strong sense of community and family engagement.

Organized Pickleball Leagues

For those seeking a more structured playing experience, organized leagues offer regular competition and opportunities to improve skills.

Mequon

While specific details on ongoing leagues are somewhat limited in the provided information, the River Club of Mequon offers adult classes and a summer junior program, suggesting potential league opportunities or pathways to more competitive play. Elite Sports Club - Mequon also indicates the presence of leagues, though details regarding age groups and skill levels are not specified. The Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department is known for its popular adult programs, which may include leagues, but specific information requires further investigation.  

Fox Point

The Nicolet Recreation Department focuses on instruction in Fox Point, offering beginner and intermediate pickleball lessons. The Wisconsin Athletic Club (WAC) also has a Fox Point location that offers pickleball.

Bayside

The Bayside Pickleball Club mentions "Fun Events & Tournaments," which could encompass league play, but specific league details are not provided. For Bayside residents looking for leagues, the Milwaukee Sports and Social organization offers co-ed doubles pickleball leagues in nearby Milwaukee, making it a potentially accessible option.  

Glendale

Elite Sports Club - River Glen in Glendale offers leagues as part of its programming, catering to various skill levels, although specific details on these leagues are not provided in the snippets.  

Whitefish Bay

The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Whitefish Bay is known to hold tournaments throughout the year, suggesting a competitive environment, though ongoing league information is not prominent in the snippets. The Shorewood Recreation Department offers Adult Pickleball Open Play, which provides a less formal but regular playing opportunity.  

Shorewood

Shorewood appears to have the most active public league offerings among the North Shore communities based on the provided information. The Shorewood Parks and Recreation Department offered a recreational pickleball league for adult mixed doubles in the spring of 2025. They also have summer pickleball leagues available, including competitive, recreational, and women's leagues, as well as clinics for beginners.  

Pickleball Clubs and Organizations

Several key organizations and clubs facilitate pickleball activities across the North Shore. In Mequon, the River Club of Mequon operates as a club, offering membership and a variety of programs. Bayside is served by Bayside Pickleball (through their website), which acts as a central resource for local information and events. In Glendale, Elite Sports Clubs (River Glen location) functions as a membership-based club with extensive pickleball offerings. Whitefish Bay's pickleball community often gathers at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC), which serves as a hub for various activities. Finally, the Shorewood Parks and Recreation Department plays a significant role in organizing pickleball activities and programs in Shorewood.  

Upcoming Pickleball Tournaments

For those seeking competitive play, several upcoming tournaments may be of interest. Elite Sports Club (River Glen, Glendale) hosted a pickleball tournament on April 12th and has another scheduled for May 17th. These events appear to be for adults aged 18 and older and require an entry fee. While the River Club of Mequon does not have specific upcoming tournaments mentioned in the snippets, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) holds tournaments throughout the year, with specific dates available by contacting them directly.  

In the broader Milwaukee area, the World Pickleball Tour Milwaukee Mash took place in South Milwaukee from March 21st to 23rd, 2025, catering primarily to amateur players with various skill and age brackets. The Wisconsin Amateur Pickleball Championships are scheduled for August 8th to 10th, 2025, also in South Milwaukee, offering divisions for a wide range of skill levels and age groups. Additionally, Milwaukee Sports and Social leagues culminate in a single-elimination tournament at the end of each season.  

Community Center and Recreational Department Programs

Community centers and recreational departments across the North Shore play a vital role in providing access to pickleball. In Mequon, the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department manages the courts at Range Line Community Center and offers popular adult programs, though specific details require further inquiry. Fox Point residents can access the Nicolet Recreation Department, which provides tennis and pickleball court access as well as lessons. Bayside utilizes the Village of Bayside for managing rentals of the tennis and pickleball courts at Ellsworth Park , and the Nicolet Recreation Department also serves this community. Glendale is also served by the Nicolet Recreation Department , while specific community center programs within Glendale were not found in the snippets. Whitefish Bay's Recreation and Community Education Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life through various programs, with the Lydell School & Community Center being a key facility; specific pickleball programs may be detailed in their program guide. Lastly, the Shorewood Recreation Department offers Adult Pickleball Open Play and organizes leagues and clinics for its residents.  

Finding Pickleball Online

Numerous online resources can assist individuals in finding pickleball opportunities in the Milwaukee area and the North Shore. Bayside Pickleball (baysidepickleball.com) is a dedicated website for Bayside, offering information on courts, events, and lessons. Platforms like Pickleheads (pickleheads.com) and PicklePlay (pickleplay.com) provide comprehensive listings of pickleball courts, including details on location, number of courts, fees, and amenities, as well as organized play times. The Global Pickleball Network (globalpickleball.network) also offers information on courts, leagues, and tournaments, often with community-specific pages. For those interested in organized leagues, Milwaukee Sports and Social (milwaukeesportsandsocial.com) lists various sports leagues, including pickleball, in the Milwaukee region. Pickleball Wisconsin (pickleballwi.com) provides a statewide directory of tournaments and places to play, which can be filtered for the Milwaukee area. PlayTime Scheduler (playtimescheduler.com) is a useful tool for organizing and finding local pickleball games and groups. Finally, searching for "[Community Name] Pickleball" on Facebook can often lead to local groups where players announce games, discuss local options, and find playing partners.  

Indoor Pickleball Facilities for Year-Round Play

For pickleball enthusiasts looking to play year-round, especially during colder months, the Milwaukee North Shore offers several indoor facilities. In Mequon, Elite Sports Club - Mequon has 2 indoor courts, and the Range Line Community Center provides 3 indoor courts. Glendale features indoor play at Elite Sports Club - River Glen. Whitefish Bay offers indoor courts at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (2 courts) and the Shorewood High School Arena Gym (4 courts).  

Several nearby communities also offer indoor pickleball options that may be convenient for North Shore residents. These include The Facility in Mequon with 9 courts, 1st and Bowl in Milwaukee with 2 courts, Elite Sports Clubs and Life Time Brookfield in Brookfield, the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin with 12 courts, the Orthopaedic Associations of Wisconsin Indoor Sports Complex in New Berlin, Paley Tennis Center near Glendale with 4 courts, Pickleball Lab in Cedarburg, West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services in West Allis, various Wisconsin Athletic Club locations, Pickleball Kingdom in Menomonee Falls with a significant 17 courts, The Picklr also in Menomonee Falls with 9 courts and a future West Allis location with 10 courts, and the Premier Pickleball Club & Complex in South Milwaukee offering 12 courts.  

The Milwaukee North Shore presents a vibrant and growing pickleball community with a diverse range of options to suit various preferences and skill levels. From the free outdoor courts at Klode Park and Atwater Elementary to the membership-based indoor facilities like Elite Sports Clubs and the JCC, there are opportunities for casual play, structured leagues, and competitive tournaments. The planned expansion of public courts in Mequon and the upcoming maintenance and expansion in Bayside further underscore the increasing popularity and commitment to the sport in the region. By utilizing the online resources and contacting the local recreational departments and clubs, individuals, families, and children in Mequon, Fox Point, Bayside, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, and Shorewood can easily find and engage in the exciting sport of pickleball.