Simi Valley is a pickleball hub. Players come from all over Southern California to play on our courts and from across the country for tournaments here. Getting started is easy: show up at the courts, where players will often loan you a paddle, or sign up for beginner lessons through the park district. I sat down with Gary Gossett, a USA Pickleball ambassador for Simi Valley, to find out how new players can jump in.
How do you start playing pickleball in Simi Valley?
Gary’s advice: just come down to any of the courts in Simi Valley. Players are super willing to loan you a paddle and a ball and show you how to play. That’s exactly how Gary started. He and his wife were having a birthday breakfast at Lemon Park when two players walked by with paddles. His wife was hooked immediately, and when they came back, people loaned them paddles and invited them right in.
Where can you take pickleball lessons?
When we filmed, the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District offered lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players, including with certified instructor Todd Johnson, known as “the Professor.” Sign up through the park district online.
Are there pickleball round robins in Simi Valley?
Yes. When we filmed, there were round robins every Wednesday at Rancho Simi Community Park, better known as the Duck Park. Sign up online through the park district.
Who is Pickleball United?
Pickleball United is a Simi Valley nonprofit, led by president Michelle Adams, that promotes pickleball in the community. They’re a great resource for where to play, park hours, and lessons. Find them on Facebook through the Simi Valley pickleball page.
The Simi Valley pickleball swap meet
In 2023, the community held a pickleball swap meet with paddle reps from Carbon, Rhombus, and Paddletek, handmade pickleball crafts, mugs, towels, and keychains, custom shirts, and even pickleball cookies. The video is below.
Why do people love pickleball?
Gary said it best: it’s an extremely fun game, but the social side is what makes it special. Everybody becomes friends. And as he put it, if he can learn it without ever having played a paddle sport, anybody can.
Watch the Simi Valley pickleball swap meet
Simi Valley Pickleball Swap Meet 2023
Frequently asked questions
Where can I play pickleball in Simi Valley?
There are pickleball courts at several Simi Valley parks, including Rancho Simi Community Park (the Duck Park). Players often loan paddles to newcomers.
Are there pickleball lessons in Simi Valley?
Yes. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has offered lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. Sign up online.
Does Simi Valley have pickleball round robins?
When we filmed, there were round robins every Wednesday at Rancho Simi Community Park. Sign up through the park district.
What is Pickleball United?
A Simi Valley nonprofit that promotes pickleball in the community, led by Michelle Adams.
Filmed 2022 and 2023 by Steve Hise for Simi On Video. Schedules change, so check the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District for current lessons and round robins.
