Lead, SD Pickleball

11/04/2025

🏓 Pickleball Season Update

As we prepare for the colder months, we want to let our players know that the pickleball courts will officially close for the season at the first snowstorm. This helps us protect the nets and court surfaces during winter weather.

For those who’d like to keep playing through the winter, indoor pickleball is available at the Handley Center.

We’re already looking forward to seeing you back on the courts next year!

11/04/2025

As our Outdoor Pickleball season is coming to an end, we are already looking ahead at next Spring Pickleball…the City of Lead is excited to be launching the “Paddle Up” method during our “Scheduled Open Play” times, Tuesday 9 -11am, Wednesday 5 - 7pm, Thursday 9 - 11am and Saturday 9 - 11am. An easy method that is welcoming to all levels of play! Look for more details coming in the Spring of 2026!

10/18/2025

The City would like to inform residents of Lead and the surrounding areas that the pickleball courts will be closed the rest of today Friday 10/17/2025-Sunday 10/19/2025 due to yearly maintenance. There is a possibility they will re-open Sunday , we will post on here if so! We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause! Thank you and have a great weekend!

09/30/2025

To recap from the meeting yesterday:
1. The paddle rack system is to be implemented with 5 players and the physical rack will be used starting at 9 players. (More specifics and details are included in the rules packet, posted yesterday.) This will be for all the time at the city courts moving forward; we anticipate pickleball to grow here in Lead and this method will ensure fairness at the courts. The rules signs will be updated to reflect this change.
2. The wind nets will be installed at the beginning of the season in 2026.
3. We will install a fence protector on the top of the divider fence at the beginning of next season.
4. The courts will be continued to be closed seasonally, with the closing and opening time being approximately November 15 and April 1st or 15th, weather depending.
5. We will get a new broom for the courts.
6. The Handley information can be found here for indoor play membership information:
https://handleycenter.org/
7. Organized play needs to be discussed at a city commission meeting annually to be allowed at our city facilities and to also spread awareness of scheduled play.

Thanks for supporting the city through this season of pickleball! It has been a learning experience and we are confident with support from Steve Stone, the Ambassador Engagement Manager for USA Pickleball, along with feedback from other pickleball communities in our area that we are going to set our program up grow pickleball in Lead in the best way possible!

We will be updating the rules signs at the park for next season as well. We can't wait to grow pickleball in our community!

The Handley Center promotes a positive and healthy experience for all ages with programming that fosters wellness for the whole person.

09/29/2025

To get in on Lead Pickleball communication, sign up at TeamReach under:
Lead SD Pickleball
Group Code: LeadPickleball24

Effortlessly find out who can attend a game, practice, meeting, or special event by sending out an availability request to your team.

09/29/2025

As discussed at the Lead City Pickleball meeting tonight…attached are the City rules and etiquette for Scheduled Open Play:

09/24/2025

See you all there!

Join us Monday the 29th at 4pm for an informational meeting regarding outdoor Pickleball in Lead!

09/15/2025

Lead City Officials met on the pickleball courts after work for a damp, yet fun-filled time!

Players:
Mayor - Dustin Heupel
Commissioner Al Rohrer - Public Buildings/Grounds
City Administrator - Robin Lucero
Public Works Director - Jason Bauernfeind

09/09/2025

Hope to see you all there!