In the growing world of pickleball, public courts are more essential than ever. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit and review the Harry Crabb Park pickleball court in Roseville, California. Nestled slightly away from the main park and baseball fields, the court provides a secluded and quiet playing environment.
The Harry Crabb Park offers two pickleball courts and two tennis courts that have been ad hoc converted to pickleball with chalked kitchen lines. Arriving on a sunny Friday morning around 9:30 am, I found the courts to be empty. It's worth noting that there were no games listed on the Playtime Scheduler, but I decided to explore regardless.
There was good signage encouraging fair use and courtesy not just to fellow players but also the neighborhood.
Starting with the positives, the courts were clean, and the surrounding area was peaceful, flanked by a quiet neighborhood. There was a paddle rack and benches on either side, a small but thoughtful feature for resting between games. High fences and a self-closing gate encircle the courts, adding a sense of security.
However, there were a few areas where improvements could be made. The most pressing concern was the lack of shade. With the sun already high and baking over 90% of the enclosure, playing during peak sunlight hours could be quite challenging. The right side court also showed significant signs of wear, affecting the predictability of the ball bounce and overall playability. Additionally, there was a hole in the net, albeit temporarily fixed with a carabiner.
In summary, while it's encouraging to see dedicated pickleball courts like Harry Crabb Park appear in public parks, there's a need for continual maintenance and investment to ensure their sustainability and usability. The park's peaceful setting and clean courts are a big plus, but the lack of shade and worn-out court surface detract from the overall experience. Consequently, I give the Harry Crabb Park pickleball court a 6/10 rating.
If you're in the Roseville area and craving a pickleball match, Harry Crabb Park could be worth a visit, especially during cooler hours. But remember to check the Playtime Scheduler beforehand, lotion up, and bring your sun hat!
Yours in Pickleball,
Backyard Pickleball
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