Pickleball
Come check out pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States. A combination of tennis, badminton, and paddleball, it is played on a smaller version of a tennis court, with graphite paddles and a whiffle ball. It is easy to learn; fun for youth, adult, and senior players; a good workout; and very social as well as competitive. Players will meet and compete against other players of similar skills levels.
Six lit courts are located at Portola Springs Community Park.
Four lit hybrid tennis and pickleball courts are located at San Carlo and Knollcrest Neighborhood Parks. Two courts each park.
Five lit hybrid tennis and pickleball courts are located at Heritage, Los Olivos, and University Community Parks.
For general pickleball questions, please call 949-724-6617 or email pickleball@cityofirvine.org
Pickleball programming includes:
Adult & Private Pickleball Lessons
City of Irvine contract instructors teach junior, adult and private pickleball lessons at Portola Springs Community Park. Group lessons cater to beginner and intermediate levels.
Instructor: Jay Unantenne
Jehan Unantenne, simply known as Jay, has had a passion for sports from a very early age. Growing up in Sri Lanka, Jay was fortunate enough to excel at numerous sports including Water Polo, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Rugby, ultimately playing Water Polo for the Sri Lanka National Team. Jay immigrated to the United States in 2011. Being an avid sportsman, Jay was drawn to the new sport of Pickleball and within a very short time, he mastered the game! He became an International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) certified instructor, giving private lessons and also conducting classes for the City of Orange.
Jay is now the Tournament Director for Tustin Pickleball, with many successful tournaments under his belt, in addition to being a sponsored player for the TOPP brand. In May 2018, Jay won Gold in the Men's Open Pro division at the Tustin Memorial Day Pickleball Tournament. He has con-ducted several Pickleball clinics and boot camps in California, Nevada and Arizona. Jay serves as an United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) ambassador for Pickleball for Orange County.
For private lessons, please call 949-724-6617 or email pickleball@cityofirvine.org for instructor contact information. Schedule a time and day with the instructor prior to registering for a private lesson.
Orange County Team Pickleball (OCTP) League
This recreational coed league for adults is played at Portola Springs Community Park. Beginner through Advanced skill level divisions will be offered. Matches start at 6 p.m. with 15 minutes of warm-up prior to the start of the match. A team match consists of men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles. Teams consist of a minimum of two men and two women. Every team makes the playoffs.
For additional information, call 949-724-6617 or email pickleball@cityofirvine.org.
Withdrawal Procedure
Prior to November 15, 2021: Requests must be received 10 days prior to the start date for the $5 withdrawal processing fee to apply. Requests received between one and nine days prior to the start date will be processed minus 50 percent of the enrollment fee. Withdrawals are not permitted once the camp begins. Switching is considered a withdrawal of original enrollment. Call 949-724-6617 or 949-724-6400 or email tennis@cityofirvine.org with your request. Full refunds/credits are available when programs are canceled or changed by the City or Instructor.
Beginning November 15, 2021: All withdrawal/refund requests must be received in writing to pickleball@cityofirvine.org. Withdrawal/refund requests received at least 7 days before the first day of the camp or class are subject to a $5.00 processing fee per participant, per class. Withdrawal/refund requests for classes are not available if the request falls within 6 days of the class start date. Withdrawal/refund requests for camps received prior to the start of the 2nd day of camp are processed less 50% of the enrollment fee. If a participant misses a class or camp session, no credits or make-up sessions will be available.