Outdoor public courts are free, indoor public courts usually charge a nominal fee. There are a few cities that allow you to reserve public outdoor courts, and many cities allow you to reserve public indoor courts. All city indoor courts are played with indoor pickleballs, on basketball courts. Easy on the knees, hard on the eyes.

The Triangle’s outdoor park open play scene is busiest in the evenings when the weather is warm. Different parks have different skill levels and usually there is a section for beginners/intermediates and high intermediates to borderline advanced. Every park has its own culture. The best thing to do is ask the locals when you get there or observe for yourself.