San Francisco Launches Pickleball Pilot Program Offering Affordable Lessons

San Francisco is making strides in making pickleball more accessible to everyone. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, in collaboration with Rec Technologies, has launched a pilot program aimed at providing safe and affordable pickleball and tennis lessons. This initiative allows players of all skill levels to book one-on-one or small group lessons through an online portal, with professional instructors who have been background-checked and licensed by the program. The goal is to offer high-quality instruction at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience.

The pilot program, which already includes over 40 instructors, is being conducted on select neighborhood courts across the city. Some of the participating locations include Alice Marble, Buena Vista, Crocker Amazon, and Presidio Wall. The program is designed to adapt in real-time based on feedback from players, instructors, and the general public, ensuring that the lessons meet the community’s needs. Group lessons are limited to three players for tennis and four for pickleball, allowing for personalized attention and effective learning.

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg emphasizes that the goal of the program is to maximize play for everyone while offering a convenient and safe way for players to improve their skills in their neighborhood parks. With the pilot phase in full swing, this initiative is expected to significantly lower the cost of lessons compared to private options, further democratizing access to the sport. As the program continues to evolve, it promises to be