San Francisco Pickleball Court Booking Fees: Tennis and pickleball players will soon have to pay to use certain public courts in San Francisco. The new booking fees will apply at 28 city courts that already allow online reservations. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department plans to start charging the fees in September, 30 days after Mayor Daniel Lurie signs the legislation.
The city says the added fees will help avoid staff cuts and program reductions. San Francisco has been dealing with a large budget shortfall of around $800 million, which led to the decision to begin charging at these busier locations.
Where and When the Fees Apply
The new booking fees will only be charged at public courts that already have an online reservation system. These 28 courts are among the most popular in the city. Not all city-owned courts will require payment.
A spokesperson from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department explained the timing of the change:
“The new fees to book some of the busier courts will go into effect 30 days after Mayor Daniel Lurie signs the new legislation, which should take effect some time in September.”
The booking fees apply to both tennis and pickleball courts, as well as golf reservations.
New Parking Fees at Golden Gate Park
Along with the booking fees, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has also approved a new parking charge inside Golden Gate Park. Drivers will have to pay $3 per hour between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
These parking charges will not start right away. The city first needs to install payment kiosks and other needed equipment. Officials plan to begin collecting the parking fees in January 2027.
What This Means for Park Users
The new fees are part of the city’s plan to bring in money without cutting staff or park services. While some park users may not be happy about paying to play or park, city leaders say these steps are needed to handle the budget shortfall.
With more public spaces becoming pay-to-use, players and visitors may change their habits, or avoid the busiest spots. Still, the changes will help San Francisco keep its park programs running and maintain the city’s most popular courts.
News in Brief: San Francisco Pickleball Court Booking Fees
San Francisco will begin charging booking fees in September 2025 at 28 public courts that allow online reservations. The new fees will apply to tennis, pickleball, and golf. A $3-per-hour parking fee inside Golden Gate Park will start in January 2027. The goal is to ease the city’s $800 million budget gap.
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