Like an ever-growing number of Americans, Brian Prospal loves pickleball. When the San Diego Deputy Sheriff grew frustrated looking for an engaging place to play in the downtown area, he created an app to help find games.
His OpenPlayGrid app is making waves. “I feel with time it will be used by pickleballers nationwide,” Prospal said.
Michael Danam uses the app, and plays pickleball everyday. He moved to downtown San Diego two years ago and has found community at the two courts at Waterfront Park.
“I drop in to play singles and there’s always someone playing,” Danam said.
The courts are located on the Northeast corner of the park. You can borrow balls and racquets at a nearby information booth.
But with a Whatsapp pickleball community of more than 600 players, Prospal and Danam both said it’s not easy to find places to play in the city. While San Diego County has 100-plus courts, the downtown sector is lacking in facilities.
Petco Park in East Village has four removable outdoor courts located in its adjacent park/music venue Gallagher Square. Courts are open pending Gallagher’s schedule, making the space unreliable. Baseball games and music concerts (including move-in and tear-down days) take priority over the space.
Gaslamp Quarter bar Happy Does recently replaced its single court with ping pong tables. Previously, guests could scan a QR code to reserve the court and play a free match.
Why eliminate pickleball? Too many fights were breaking out, according to a bar employee. In a game that was meant to encourage camaraderie and sportsmanship, management felt keeping the court wasn’t worth the trouble.
Balboa Park has indoor courts at their activity center, but the facility doesn’t offer pickleball during the summer. Those courts will reopen on August 11.
Good news: The Gaslamp Urban Pickleball 2026 tournament series starts on July 30. Games take place on Fifth Avenue every Thursday until September 3.
There will be 13 courts in play, with volunteers and coaches running matches from 4 p.m. to sunset. Singles and doubles brackets will be available. Equipment can be supplied for free.
Registration is $50 for newcomers; $45 for returning players. Expect DJs, a wellness bar and street vendors. The winners of each tournament will receive gift cards and prizes to local restaurants and shops.
“Just bring your game mindset!” Gaslamp Quarter Association Marketing Manager Alma Ascencio said.
She said locals sitting on restaurant patios become invested in the street games, often immersing themselves in the action, cheering on complete strangers.
That’s the kind of environment local players like Danam would like to see all year-round. SDSun
