Court spotlight
Atholton Park: where Howard County pickleball started
Atholton Park is a small park with a big place in local pickleball history. In 2017, Howard County opened its very first outdoor pickleball courts here, and the county's programs have used the park for leagues and classes since.
The courts
Howard County's June 2026 update lists two dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at Atholton Park in Columbia. They sit next to the park's handball courts, and the county resurfaced the shared wall in 2021. With two courts, it's a neighborhood spot rather than a destination complex, which can make it a good choice when the bigger parks are packed.
The county has used Atholton for adult pickleball leagues and classes. For bigger groups, nearby Blandair Regional Park has six lighted courts.
How play works here
Expect informal, first-come play when the courts aren't booked for a county program. With only two courts, a rotation forms fast at busy times; agree on games to 11 and rotate. See how open play works.
Good to know before you go
- Small footprint: two courts means a short wait can become a long one on a busy evening. Have a backup park in mind.
- Programs: check the Howard County Recreation & Parks activity guide for leagues or classes that may be using the courts.
Finding a game here on Matchd
Open Matchd, find Atholton Park on the courts map and tap See games here for games at the park with their skill ranges. With only two courts here, posting a game for a set time is the easiest way to make sure your foursome gets on court. More nearby: where to play pickleball in Howard County.
Sources
Facts on this page come from the official sources below, written in our own words. Courts and schedules change: check the source before you go.
Find a game at this court
Open Matchd, find this court on the map and tap See games here, or post a game and let players near your level join.
Free. For players 16 and up.