The distinctive “thunk” of the paddle hitting the Wiffle Ball can be heard over the rushing of cars and occasional trains passing as you approach the new pickleball courts under the I-695 overpass along the southern edge of Garfield Park. When you come around the bend on Second Street SE, directly under the overpass, five pickleball courts sit ready for use. On a Sunday morning at 10 a.m., 40 people stood waiting for their team’s opportunity to play. Many more were already on the courts. 
The Robert M. Krughoff Pickleball Center is the result of years of community work and advocacy that has transformed an unused access road into public recreation space. The area has been used for pickleball for years, though players began on cracked pavement with lines drawn in chalk. As the courts developed, a community grew with them.
Ann Goodwin, chair of fundraising for the advisory committee for the Krughoff Center, began raising money for the courts in October 2025 to cover the costs of resurfacing, nets, the storage container and maintenance, with a goal of $75,000. In the end, more than $100,000 was raised. The permit for the courts was approved in July 2025 as part of the Garfield Park/Canal Connector Project, with a skate park, basketball/futsal court and walkway.
Growth of Community
The players on this day in mid-July range from their 20s to their 80s, from beginners to competitive experienced players and across all races. Strong friendships and a sense of community have emerged. “What starts as playing pickleball turns into social relationships,” said David Nguyen, one community player.
Over the sound of paddles hitting the ball, a Bluetooth speaker plays music, players cheer for each other and conversations happen on the sidelines. “I love the energy here,” said Nate Goodman, who started playing at the Anacostia Rec Center. “Everybody’s always so happy to be out.”
Players can be as competitive as they want since the goal is to play, not necessarily to win. Regardless of the game’s outcome, the four players on the court are swapped out for four new players to have their turn.
Courts are not restricted to the organized games participated in by a majority of the players. The courts are dedicated to the community at large, with people encouraged to use them for their own play.
Open Play
Most players show up at designated open play times. These are every day, Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. During open play, a site manager opens the container, situated at the front of the courts, that houses folding chairs and balls. Players who come during open play need to bring their own paddles. The format of play is 4-on-4-off, no “King of the Court” or rotation based on wins.
In the shade of the trees to the side of the courts, the folding chairs are set up for players waiting for their game. A folding table in front of the unofficial waiting area keeps track of which teams are waiting, with the paddles of the teams placed in the “Next Up” area, ordered 2, 3, 4. When a game ends, the court clears, the “Next Up” team takes the court and the piles of paddles move up in line.
The TeamReach app informs players of hour changes and organizes which players are coming during open play. While not necessary, it is useful if you want to know who is planning on coming to an open play session. Information on how to join TeamReach can be found on the Krughoff Center’s Instagram @krughoffpickleball.
Court supervision and open play management are overseen by an advisory committee created by the Capitol Riverfront BID, now the Navy Yard BID. A site manager sets up the area for play and for “a welcoming, open environment” for all players who show up, according to board co-chair Eileen Dougherty. 
Photo: Alena Martin
Future of the Courts
The courts have just opened but they aren’t done yet. Court dividers, coming in mid-August, will backstop the balls, preventing them from rolling onto other courts in the middle of play and making the courts feel more enclosed. The dividers and nets will remain on the courts at all times. The next phase is installing lights for night play as well as a retaining wall on the Garfield Park side of the courts.
A welcoming and friendly environment for players of all ages and skill levels, the Krughoff Pickleball Courts were worth the long wait. As Paul Dougherty, Eileen’s husband and fellow player, said, “It’s an amazing social sport, and the other beauty is you don’t have to be good to have fun.”
