Gladden Park Recreation Center — pickleball court photo
Gladden Park Recreation Center — pickleball court photoGladden Park Recreation Center — pickleball court photoGladden Park Recreation Center — pickleball court photoGladden Park Recreation Center — pickleball court photo
Pickleball in St. Petersburg, FL

Gladden Park Recreation Center

3901 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, USA

4.4

Google rating

532 reviews

About Gladden Park Recreation Center

Gladden Park Recreation Center is a community recreation center with pickleball courts in St. Petersburg, Florida, and one of the go-to spots for pickleball players in the area. You'll find it at 3901 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, USA, easy to reach whether you're a local looking for open play or a visitor planning a session on your Florida trip. It holds a strong 4.4★ rating from 532 Google reviews, a well-liked local option.

What to expect

  • Outdoor courts in a public park setting — typically first-come, first-served with no reservation required.
  • Community-center courts shared with other activities. Great for casual play and beginner-friendly open sessions.
  • Hours are listed below — call ahead on holidays or during heavy rain, which is the main reason Florida courts close unexpectedly.
  • Bring your own paddles and balls unless you've confirmed otherwise. Water fountains vary by venue, so pack water for hot Florida afternoons.

Planning your visit

Quick tips to make your session at Gladden Park Recreation Center smoother — from a player who's spent a lot of Florida mornings on the court.

  1. 1Play early morning or after 5pm to beat the Florida heat — court surfaces can hit 100°+ in mid-afternoon sun.
  2. 2Weekends fill up fastest. If you're targeting a specific time, arrive 15–20 minutes early to get in the paddle rotation.
  3. 3Parking is usually free but can fill during peak hours — carpool when possible.
  4. 4Check the Google reviews below for recent condition notes on the court surfaces and nets.

Location & map

Gladden Park Recreation Center is in St. Petersburg, Florida — community recreation center with pickleball courts at 3901 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg.

Coordinates: 27.80009, -82.68671

What players are saying

Recent Google reviews for Gladden Park Recreation Center. Reviews are pulled live and refresh automatically.

Jennifer Mayorga· 8 months ago

We had our baby shower here, and everything was absolutely wonderful! Our guests loved the atmosphere, and it truly made the day feel special. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience—highly recommend this place for any celebration!

Han Zen· 6 months ago

ALL the TAXES this City Collects, They Can't DO a BETTER JOB!! The Park Manager Filled OUT and Submitted a Ticket To Get This FIXED ! It's NOT ON HIM!! THIS IS a DANGEROUS POTHOLE !! SOMEONE COULD GET HURT

Stephen Meadows· a month ago

Really nice workout area that shaded along with shuffleboards and a basketball court

Kimberly Edwards· 4 years ago

We held my daughter's babyshower here and the space we had was amazing! The staff were incredibly helpful and extremely polite. What a great community asset this Rec center is!

Imrane Ziane· 5 months ago

This place is very good as a teen camper who has went here from 1st grade it is a very good place the coaches do know what they are doing like if you do something bad they wont right you up depending on what you do because they know getting you 2 in trouble dosent fix things they help you fix it

Frequently asked questions

Where is Gladden Park Recreation Center located?

Gladden Park Recreation Center is located at 3901 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, USA in St. Petersburg, Florida. You can get one-tap driving directions from the button above.

Do I need a reservation to play pickleball at Gladden Park Recreation Center?

No — most public and park facilities like Gladden Park Recreation Center run on open play. Show up, sign in on the paddle rack, and rotate in.

How much does it cost to play pickleball at Gladden Park Recreation Center?

Gladden Park Recreation Center is a public park, so court use is generally free. Bring your own paddle and balls.

What are the hours at Gladden Park Recreation Center?

Current hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM; Sunday: Closed. Hours may vary on holidays.

Are the pickleball courts at Gladden Park Recreation Center indoor or outdoor?

Gladden Park Recreation Center is primarily an outdoor pickleball venue, which is typical for Florida parks. Check the photos for a look at the courts.

Is Gladden Park Recreation Center good for beginners?

St. Petersburg has a strong beginner-to-intermediate pickleball scene, and Gladden Park Recreation Center is one of the popular local spots. Show up during open play, tell someone you're new, and you'll almost always get pulled into a friendly game.