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Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton is currently half way through its six-month pickleball trial and the warmer weather is bringing more community members out to play.
So far, pickleball players told The Almanac that they are loving the courts at Holbrook-Palmer. They say that it’s well-maintained, spacious and always clean, but they all collectively wanted one change — a drop-in system. It’s also easy to park there and the playing ground dries quickly after it rains, they said.
For the trial, the park has striped one of their tennis courts to accommodate two pickleball courts, big enough for a maximum of 12 people to play on at once. The Holbrook-Palmer tennis courts are currently on a reservation system. Hours for pickleball are limited from morning to noon daily and after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Other pickleball courts at Nealon Park in Menlo Park and Mitchell Park in Palo Alto, currently have a drop-in system. Holbrook-Palmer Park began its trial through a reservation system on Jan. 21.
“[The drop-in system] encourages variety,” said Gail, a Menlo Park resident, who asked to only be identified by her first name to maintain her privacy. “I’ve met the most incredible group of people at Nealon. People that I would normally have no reason to talk to or play with.”
Cat Westover, right, celebrates a hit with Alyssa Bau, left, during a game of pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton on April 25, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Community members play pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton on April 25, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Alyssa Bau watches the ball hit back toward her opponents during a game of pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton on April 25, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Jill Zanolli, left, and Cat Westover, right, play pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton on April 25, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
A pickelball and racket at the courts at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton on April 25, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier.
Players describe pickleball as a social and community oriented sport that functions well with an open system where players can stop by at any time and jump into a game. The courts are also becoming a place where friendships are formed.
Gail said that she’s played with people of different ages, ethnicities and socio-economic levels forming friendships that would have never happened without their common interest for the sport.
“The nature of pickleball is that it’s very welcoming,” said Atherton resident Cat Westover. She has around 40 contacts in her cellphone of people she’s met on the courts.
If the town continues to host pickleball players, Gail said she’d love for the park to expand its hours for pickleball players.
Atherton resident Don Keller suggests a combination of a reservation and drop-in system moving forward. He said that Holbrook-Palmer hasn’t yet developed a strong pickleball community in Atherton because of the restrictive nature of the reservation system. Keller said other public pickleball courts across the Peninsula are open to drop-ins.
“It would be terrific if Holbrook-Palmer moves to more of a drop in arrangement so that they can build a community oriented place,” said Keller.
Pickleball is quickly becoming a popular sport among the community as Westover explains that the equipment is easy to use, it’s suitable for all ages, it’s fun and addicting.
The initial trial period will run through July and there are currently no plans for after the trial, said Robert Ovadia, Atherton’s director of public works.
