IN A PICKLE(BALL). The popular sport is flourishing in the Chippewa Valley with a plethora of courts to practice your swing. Lake Hallie's Gower Park is pictured here.

Spring has finally come to Wisconsin, and with it comes the resurgence of outdoor recreation, including the popular game of pickleball. The Chippewa Valley has many places to play the game, including some indoor locations. This roundup features outdoor courts in the area with brief descriptions that can help you find the right one to throw down, pickleball style.

Lake Hallie

Gower Park (120th St.) grew from six courts to 18 courts over about a year's worth of construction efforts. This addition makes Gower Park the largest place to play pickleball in the Chippewa Valley – and the whole state – after tripling in size over the past couple of years.

Menomonie

Wakanda Park (909 Pine Ave. East) is home to six pickleball courts. The courts are designated with beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels, allowing you to choose the right one for your skill level.

Altoona

Altoona City Park (1419 Front Porch Pl.) has six tennis courts, each recently resurfaced in 2024 to include some snazzy pickleball stripes. 

Fairway Park (1893 Whistling Straits Dr.) has two courts to play on. Located next to Otter Creek, you can go on a hike to cool off after a heated game of pickleball.

Chippewa Falls

Buchanan Park (117 S Main St.) located conveniently on Main Street, this park offers six courts.

Marshall Park (10 Jefferson Ave.) also offers six courts, which can double as tennis courts.

Lafayette Pickleball Courts (5765 197th St.) features five newly resurfaced courts.

Eau Claire

McDonough Park (731 McDonough St.) offers 12 courts with a beautiful view overlooking Dells Pond.

Owen Park (501 First Ave.) popular among college students for its location next to the UW-Eau Claire campus, this park has four pickleball courts.

Information about hours of operation for each park and additional can be found by looking at each town's respective Parks & Recreation Dept. sites: Chippewa Falls, chippewafallswi.myrec.com • Eau Claire, eauclairewi.gov • Altoona, ci.altoona.wi.us • Lake Hallie, lakehallie.us • Menomonie, menomonie.wi.gov