Forest Park
4501 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA
Google rating
394 reviews
About Forest Park
Leisure spot for basketball, football & soccer, with picnic shelter, off-leash pet area & restrooms. You'll find it at 4501 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607, 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 394 Google reviews, a well-liked local option.
Leisure spot for basketball, football & soccer, with picnic shelter, off-leash pet area & restrooms.
What to expect
- Outdoor courts in a public park setting — typically first-come, first-served with no reservation required.
- Hours aren't posted online for this location — call ahead to confirm before you drive over.
- 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 Forest Park smoother — from a player who's spent a lot of Florida mornings on the court.
- 1Play early morning or after 5pm to beat the Florida heat — court surfaces can hit 100°+ in mid-afternoon sun.
- 2Weekends fill up fastest. If you're targeting a specific time, arrive 15–20 minutes early to get in the paddle rotation.
- 3Parking is usually free but can fill during peak hours — carpool when possible.
- 4Check the Google reviews below for recent condition notes on the court surfaces and nets.
Location & map
Forest Park is in Gainesville, Florida — public park with pickleball courts at 4501 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville.
Coordinates: 29.63653, -82.39134
What players are saying
Recent Google reviews for Forest Park. Reviews are pulled live and refresh automatically.
Sydney Velasquez· a month ago2 large dog parks, one with lots of shade and one with less. A small dog park with lots of shade too. Parks are well fenced in with lots of benches and climbing toys for the dogs. Washing station is also available. The large dog parks are pretty large in size, a bit smaller than the squirrel ridge dog park
Thaís Cardim· 2 years agoIf you have dogs, You must take them to Forrest Park!Today they had their grand opening, and the dog park is AMAZING. The best dog park in town for sure! They even have a professional dog wash station! The park is HUGEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of space your pup to run! HURRY UP AND GO THERE!!!!!!! You won’t be disappointed!
Dari’s Passport & Plate· 2 years agoThe park was recently renovated and they did an amazing job! Volleyball, pickle ball, basketball courts and a soccer field are available. Pretty well lit at night. The dog park is now the best one in town. There is a small and large dog area both which have an obstacle course. The large dog area is huge. Loads of shade with tables and benches for the dog owners. There’s a beautiful stainless steel dog wash in between both entrances. My dog loves coming here. Don’t forget to bring your mosquito repellant!
Tatiana Florez· 6 years agoSometimes you can see the little aligators, but I don't understand why the door to the alligator 🐊 area is open without a lock and the fence that separates that area from the dog park is almost falling. More security in the park and please, pick up your dog's poop
D Wszolek· 3 months agoThis park is an absolute gem! Clean restrooms and well kept facilities make this a peaceful spot to rest or just "veg".
Frequently asked questions
Where is Forest Park located?
Forest Park is located at 4501 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA in Gainesville, Florida. You can get one-tap driving directions from the button above.
Do I need a reservation to play pickleball at Forest Park?
No — most public and park facilities like Forest Park run on open play. Show up, sign in on the paddle rack, and rotate in.
How much does it cost to play pickleball at Forest Park?
Forest Park is a public park, so court use is generally free. Bring your own paddle and balls.
Are the pickleball courts at Forest Park indoor or outdoor?
Forest Park is primarily an outdoor pickleball venue, which is typical for Florida parks. Check the photos for a look at the courts.
Is Forest Park good for beginners?
Gainesville has a strong beginner-to-intermediate pickleball scene, and Forest Park 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.