The Beacon: Arlington - Pickleball Review!
Arlington Rating: Ace or Fault? (We Scored it 82!)
Review: 21st out of 370 facilities reviewed by DPA!
DPA REVIEW DATE/TIME: January 16, 2024 – Thursday, 9:30 AM in Southeast Arlington.
RATINGS: 82/100 (Without Bonus: 75/100)
Breakdown of the Score:
- Facility (Spacing, Lines, Ceiling Height, Net, Lighting & Glare): 85/100
- Amenities: 21/25
- Playing Environment: 35/35 (Perfect Score!)
- Community & Culture: 26/40
- Cost & Accessibility (Membership Fees, Drop-In Fees, Accessibility, Hours): 80/100
Bonus Points (Unique Features, Tech, Vibes, Cleanliness, Pickleball Only, Court Count, Rest Area, Skill Levels):
Bonus Points Awarded: 20/50
Court Details:
- Courts: 2 indoor courts currently in use (2 backup courts not in use).
- Ceiling Height: Generally okay, but Court 1 has a wall only 1 foot away! Plus, an overhead track encroaches on the court, impacting height.
- Layout: 4 courts lined for pickleball.
Location & Contact:
- Address: 1100 Mansfield Webb Rd, Arlington, TX, 76002
- Phone: (817)–575 -8340
- Website: Arlington Rec Center Website
Cost Breakdown:
Drop-In (DI): $8 for Gold Pass holders.
Memberships (Resident Monthly):
- Ages 18-25: $14
- Ages 26-59: $16
- Ages 60-79: $5
- Ages 80+: $2
Memberships (Non-Resident Monthly):
- Ages 18-25: $18
- Ages 26-59: $20
- Ages 60-79: $10
- Ages 80+: $5
Note: Membership is valid at all Arlington Recreation Centers. Day passes are facility-specific.
Open Play Times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pros:
- New and well-maintained facility.
- Reasonable cost (see rates above). Plus, free access for those 65+ with RA, SS, or SF!
Cons:
- Limited to 2 courts in use. One court has a wall only 1 foot away! The overhead track further restricts play on that court.
- The other 2 PB courts are not currently used.
- Only 3 days of dedicated pickleball time.
- Recommendation: During fall and spring, consider shifting the pickleball courts to the other side of the gym.
Notes From Our Visit:
This was the first visit to The Beacon since May 2021. We observed 16 players with skill levels ranging from 2.5 – 3.5. The age range was primarily 50+, with approximately 70% being women. The other two pickleball-lined courts were being used for basketball.
Disclaimer: This DPA review reflects our experience on this particular day and time. Experiences may vary. Your opinion is welcome!
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