About this venue
3 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts (concrete, permanent nets, no lights) at Carlson Park in Valley West, Arcata. Opened September 13, 2024 with ribbon-cutting ceremony. Free, open to the public. Also features river-themed playground, event area, riparian trails, and Mad River access. 2026-07-31: cityofarcata.org's parks/venues finder and Parks-Trails page (checked directly) don't list Carlson Park's street address (it predates/isn't yet in the city's facility-finder database); kymkemp.com (already cited) 403'd this pass, and lostcoastoutpost.com (already cited) loaded but its article text has no street address either, only neighborhood context (Valley West). No primary source found for the address this pass; Court count also remains unpublished on any reachable source.
The details
Top recommended pickleball gear
Our picks from the pickleball buying guides — chosen editorially, never by the venue and never by spend.
Paddles · Best overall
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 16mm
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Beginner paddles · Best starter feel
JOOLA Essentials
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Balls · Outdoor standard
Franklin X-40 Outdoor (12-pack)
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Is Carlson Park Pickleball Courts indoor or outdoor?+
Carlson Park Pickleball Courts offers outdoor pickleball.
How much does it cost to play at Carlson Park Pickleball Courts?+
Carlson Park Pickleball Courts is free to play — no fee and no membership required.
Is Carlson Park Pickleball Courts open to the public?+
Yes — Carlson Park Pickleball Courts is open to the public at no charge.