Fifteen dedicated pickleball courts opened at Evanston's James Park in April, and North Shore players from Wilmette to Glencoe have a growing roster of court options for summer 2026.
Here's a community-by-community breakdown.
Evanston: James Park
The biggest addition to the local pickleball scene is James Park, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston, where 15 dedicated courts replaced six tennis courts. The facility held its grand opening on Saturday, April 18. Reservations are available daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., through app.amilia.com/store/en/cityofevanston.
Patrick Clear, a volunteer organizer who lobbied for the courts starting in 2022 with about 30 community advocates, put it plainly: "We started kvetching about the fact that there weren't any pickleball courts, and that the tennis community wasn't too fond of us. And so we started lobbying."
Evanston also offers courts with pickleball lines at Fitzsimmons Park (lighted, open until 10 p.m.), Leahy Park (4 courts, lighted), Lovelace Park (6 courts), Ackerman Park, Cartwright Park and Mason Park. Non-lighted courts close at 9 p.m. All are open to the public.
Wilmette: Community Playfields & Hibbard Park
Wilmette Park District offers outdoor courts dual-lined for tennis and pickleball with rolling nets at Community Playfields and Hibbard Park. The district runs Drop-in Pickleball sessions and classes. For court counts, schedules and session times, visit wilmettepark.org/tennis/pickleball or contact Racquet Sports Supervisor Robby Ramdhanie at (847) 256-9679.
The Wilmette Tennis Club, 2300 Old Glenview Rd., has eight indoor courts and a pro shop selling racquet sports equipment. Summer hours run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Membership fees for June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027: adult resident $193, non-resident $291; senior (65+) resident $154, non-resident $260.
Winnetka: A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center
The A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center, 530 Hibbard Rd., launched private pickleball lessons on Thursday, May 1, 2026. The center is open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Members reserve courts up to seven days in advance; non-members book up to two days ahead. Outdoor walk-on is free for members, $20 for non-members.
Seven outdoor courts underwent a $1.3 million reconstruction beginning in August 2025, with new Musco Sports Lighting on five courts ($188,000 contract). The park district projected completion by June 2026. Contact (847) 501-2065 or visit winpark.org for current court availability.
Glencoe: Shelton Park
Glencoe's Shelton Park reopened in October 2025 after a $249,000 renovation that added two dedicated pickleball courts alongside one tennis court. The Glencoe Park District also offers pickleball programming through its summer schedule. Beginner classes are available. Contact: 847-835-3030 or glencoeparkdistrict.com.
Nearby: Pickledilly (Skokie)
For indoor play year-round, Pickledilly at 4919 Main St., Skokie, has 11 courts plus a half-size training court. The facility, which opened in 2025, offers learn-to-play classes, leagues and competitions. The Skokie Village Board approved a four-court expansion in May 2026.
Quick Reference
| Location | Address | Courts | Info/Reservations |
|----------|---------|--------|-------------------|
| James Park, Evanston | 300 Dodge Ave. | 15 dedicated | app.amilia.com/store/en/cityofevanston |
| Community Playfields, Wilmette | — | Dual-lined (rolling nets) | wilmettepark.org/tennis/pickleball |
| Hibbard Park, Wilmette | — | Dual-lined (rolling nets) | wilmettepark.org/tennis/pickleball |
| Wilmette Tennis Club | 2300 Old Glenview Rd., Wilmette | 8 indoor | (847) 256-9679 |
| A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center | 530 Hibbard Rd., Winnetka | Pickleball available | winpark.org |
| Shelton Park, Glencoe | — | 2 dedicated | glencoeparkdistrict.com |
| Pickledilly, Skokie | 4919 Main St. | 11 indoor | — |
