in the Hollywood, FL area

Under most court listings, you'll also find my comments on the courts after having played them and my "beefs" about them. I'll make an effort to play on each court I visit and feature here. Who knows, maybe the Parks and Rec Department people are reading these comments and may act upon them, right?

• Jefferson Street Park, Hollywood
• David Park, Hollywood
• West Lake Park, Hollywood
• Martin Luther King Community Center, Hollywood
• Hollywood Hills, Hollywood
• Wildwood School, Hollywood
• Washington Park, Hollywood
• Hallendale Beach Courts, Hallendale
• Hallendale Courts, Hallendale
• Venetian Park, Hallendale (private courts)
• Frost Park. Dania
• Rainbow Park, Pembroke Pines
• Pines Recreation Center, Pembroke Pines
• Maxwell Park, Pembroke Pines
• Driftwood Community Center, Pembroke Pines

South Broward High School

I saw and scouted out these courts last year as I was taking the long way home. Of course, I had to try this place so one afternoon, I grabbed my paddles, a can of balls a bottle of frozen water and drove on out. The first thing that impressed me about these courts was their condition- they're in great shape! The walls are smooth, the lines are flush, bright and sharp and the ground surfaces are even making for true bounces every time. If one could only lay out the lines to the Historic Courts official dimensions, these 3 wall courts would lend themselves very well to our game. I gotta go back and measure- If I remember correctly these guys were wider and longer than our standard HGSPC's. If lighted, this place could easily become a "mecca" for paddle sports. Beefs? Lack of back-stops, no facilities or water nearby but that's it. This is a great place to practice and possibly play- I can't believe it's so underused!

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page. 

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Jefferson Street Park

On the courts

I've practiced on these courts often and have played a few games on these and my opinion? This is a great place to play! The courts are well lighted, lines are clear and flush and the court surfaces are consistent- the bounces are true. 

Here's the beefs

Not really many of them- but as in other "beefs," lack of back-stops is the "root" one. It'd be the end of trips to the fenced-off basketball courts, the swings or out to the street. If the Historic Courts are full, the Jefferson Street Park courts are close by- stop by and try 'em- you may just like 'em!

As an update since my first running into and playing these courts- they're getting to be needing a painting. Paint on the southern wall's flaking and fading and I expect that if the concrete underneath is exposed to the moisture, more extensive (and expensive!) deterioration will follow. Per a conversation with someone perhaps in the "know," there was $750k slated for the park. I'm hoping it's so and that some of that goes to keep up with theses great courts! C'mon, Hollywood Parks & Rec- the ball's in your court!

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David Park

David Park is a beautiful complex which has 12 lighted tennis courts, a tennis pro shop and a snack bar- and of most interest to us- Yet another lighted facility that sees little mileage, a nice pair of back-to-back courts. 
Located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard (west-bound) and North 33rd Court, you can see these courts from the road. 95% of the times I've driven by these courts there's been no one on them tho I've heard that it's a haven for blue-ball paddleball. I guess the light colored walls offer a great contrast for that version of our sport- No "Sky-Bounce" balls here! But that screamin' yella' tennis ball will show up just about anywhere and I'm betting here is no exception. All the lines are there except the serve/receive marker- bring your tape measure and mark 'em out yourself if you're a stickler for lines- other wise, these seem like a great place to play! Sanitary facilities may be available up the street at the tennis courts but there is a water fountain that dispenses ice cold water. 

On the Courts and da Beef

I played at these courts recently and amend my opinion just slightly about these courts to "good.". What would make them "great?" Better lighting on the south court (though it is playable!) , back-stops on both, fencing to keep the ball inside the court area and serving ticks marked out- but other than that, nothing much more! It's refreshing to play on a good surface without any "kicks" from the balls as they hit the out lines. 

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.  

West Lake Park

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Martin Luther King Community Center

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Hallendale Beach Courts

Hallendale Beach, the "Home of the Vikings" is also home to an unusual pair of seldom-used back-to-back unlighted courts. Located at Hallendale Beach Boulevard and 26th Avenue, these courts are a landmark many have navigated by. In all the time I've lived in the South Florida area I've yet to see anyone playing on these though when I visited to snap pics I saw marks on the front walls as if racquet balls had been hit against them. If you look closely at the pics, you may notice the side walls on both courts- One of these courts is a 3 wall paddleball court but the other is a 3 wall racquetball court with the side walls going all the way back to the long line! 

The paddleball court, well... its surface is a bit rough and I can expect that if one plays a game on it, one will get many strange kicks and bounces- but it's all in the game per Hollywood rules, right? No "hindu's" here or you'll spend more replaying points than not! The lines on the paddleball courts are just a bit strange as you can tell by the pics. To play here, one would have to bring measuring tape and chalk out a short line and a serving tick and get it on! And I'm saying shooting cross-courts at the top will be terminal if you go by the lines, here, too.   Woo!

In much better shape is the racquetball court: Bring a broom to sweep the debris out of the corners of the court, your racquets and a new can of balls and get ready for some hot racquetball action! Also bring your cooler and stop at facilities on the way over as these courts have no water or rest-rooms nearby. I know, I know- this ain't a racquetball website, right? But if you read my bio, you know I'll play anything like this so I'll report on it too! And besides, one can play "pro-paddleball" here!

On the courts

Recently, I had the hankerin' to go practice and decided I wanted to hit some racquetballs. I dug out the racquets and a can of balls, threw them in the bag along with the paddles and tennis balls, grabbed a couple of bottles of frozen bottled water and off we went. It took a bit of driving around as the courts are not immediately accessible from the Boulevard- One has to go south, then turn east then north to the parking spots that are behind the courts. Our first court to try out was the racquetball court: Once the little debris was removed from the court, it was fine for use. We got quite a work-out whipping that ball around in there! It is a little strange playing here if you're used to 4 wall racquetball- no off-the-back-wall kills!  As it got darker, we decided to go to the west-facing wall and practice paddleball. As I stated above, the court surface is rough- definitely rough- but still playable if you react quick enough. What does throw one off is the closeness of the side walls and the lines. I have to wonder what kind of game these were laid out for- but who does one ask? If any of you readers have any idea, let me know, will you? Anyhow, we practiced and played until dusk- and were surprised when lights came on- thanks, guys!

Now here's the beef

 Hallendale Parks & Rec Department- are you reading this? If you push the game of paddleball, people will play it. There's a recreation center these courts are a part of: Basketball and football are fine- but also get the kids playing paddleball! Not every kid will want to get hit or can shoot a basketball- Buy some wooden Le Paddles and tennis balls, have someone show them the game and give them another exercise option! About the courts themselves, I can say I've seen some in worse condition- Hollywood Hills' courts for instance. The racquetball court surface is fine but what's up with that paddleball court? How about getting rid of the rough-stuff and getting it to at least look like the racquetball court? And the lines. What game are these designed for? Ok, they're nice and sharp and bright and there's serving boxes on either side- but no short or long line. Give us a hint! The lights? Well, it was a pleasant surprise to see there were some but as far as playing serious games under them? Not a chance. There are just not enough lumens being projected onto either court. The lights are also behind the courts which makes for shadows being cast on court by the players. How about lights pointing down and away from the front wall? 

Other than the above- make a trip out and try these courts, especially the racquetball court! 

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.  

Pines Recreation Center

As a relatively recent arrival to SoFla, I'm still learning to get around- and I'm still discovering places to play. I was clued to these courts by a Historic Courts regular when I asked her if she knew about any other courts in the area. 

To reach these courts one takes Hollywood Boulevard into Pembroke Pines- by then Hollywood becomes Pines Blvd- until McArthur. Left on McArthur will bring you right to the Pines Rec Center. Find a spot to park across the street from the Center and walk on over to what seem to be a very well used pair of back to backs. Located adjacent to the Broward Community College campus, these unlighted courts' playing surface show the effect of many players feet on them yet the lines are as sharp as if they've been freshly painted. There's a water fountain dispensing ice-cold water and there may be sanitary facilities available for use during weekday afternoons and early evening. I've heard say blue-ball rules here but when I stopped by there was no one at all anywhere around, never mind players. I wondered: are the corners used here for shot-making or are balls considered "out" if they hit the side walls going in or out? Point to ponder for me. If anyone has played there and knows, "edge-o-mocate" me, will you?

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.  

Wildwood School

On the way home from having driven to visit the Pines courts above, I decided to take the "scenic route-" that is, instead of coming back down Pines/Hollywood Boulevard, I decided to just come down "back roads" and selected Washington Street to go east on, just to check out the 'hoods. And wouldn't you know it, I stumbled onto the courts featured below. 

Located at Washington Street and South 44th Avenue, this time the courts weren't unused: two neighborhood boys were playing "chuck the tennis ball at the wall." I introduced myself and explained why I had a camera with me, etc and asked them if the courts got used for paddleball- they said yes, very often. The fairly new-looking tennis balls they were playing with they said they'd found on or around the court they were on- always a hint players have been out- we hate playing with dead or dying tennis balls. Another hint- there are beucoup marks all over the walls where balls have impacted. Though these unlighted courts are in rough shape, they get used. The paint on the walls is peeling, the lines are almost faded and some miscreant broke out a can of fluorescent orange paint and tagged the south-facing wall. The north court is in better shape but it's the temporary home to a basketball back-board, hoop and pole assembly due to construction in the school-yard next to the courts. These courts look as if the city has given up on them but I think it only seems that way. There's new fencing surrounding the east side of the courts with a labyrinth-type entrance similar to the Historic Courts' making me think these courts will soon have their walls repainted, the ground surfaces power-washed and lines put down. Bring your cooler packed and stop at some rest-rooms prior to getting to these courts as there are no facilities or water there.

On the courts

Recently, on the way home from work I stopped by the courts, saw a family hitting dead tennis balls with everything except a paddle on the courts and decided to hit some myself. So there I was in my work attire and in my special sneaker-loafers with my woodie and a green ball (that's all I had!) trying the courts. I got some funny looks from the Dad when he came around to get stray tennis balls and we got to talking. Per his comments, he'd never been to the Historic Courts- I gave him a business card.

Here's the Beef

Hollywood Parks & Rec. Department- what's up with these courts? On several occasions, I've made it a point to drive by the courts and did notice progress has been made! The basketball poles and gear's been removed from the court. But as of yet, the walls need re-painting, the court ground surfaces could use a good power-wash and the lines need laying out and painting. But hey- at least the wall and court haven't been demolished! Shhhh, Eddie- don't give them any such ideas! 
Just as I saw that family there playing, there could be more people using this facility if it just but looked not abandoned! The court surface on the south court is good but there's  a big ol' crack on the surface of the north court which could use whatever "spackle" it is you use on the Historic Courts. Overall, though, these are very good court surfaces to play on. And don't forget the walls! Patch those cracks up, paint them and do the neighborhood a favor- give them a nice place to play! Oh- also on the wish list are back-stops! But I'd be pushing it, huh?

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.  

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Frost Park, Dania Beach

On the courts

Of course I had to hit a few here! I broke out my graphite and ball and smacked some on the south wall. I wondered about the measurements and broke out the chalk and tape measure. The wall was 20 feet wide, the short line was 16 feet from the front wall and the serving ticks were 9 feet past the short line. 9 more feet from there was the long line and behind that, another 37 inches away was the out line. If you can get used to the different dimensions, you can play here! I gotta confess; though it's only a one foot difference from the Historic Courts' dimensions, that kill from the long line here takes some getting used to. But despite a few pits on the wall, the ball bounced lively and true off it and true off the ground and the lines, hokey smokes! 

Beef time

Well, damn... what to complain about here? Not very much at all! Lack of fencing on the west side of the courts to keep the ball close by after those ace serves and kills to the west corners and perhaps knowing that that bathrooms will be open. Oh- and more of us paddleball players there on the courts. Not much to beef about here!

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page. 

Venetian Garden- Private Courts

Located at a private development in Hallendale Beach, are the pair of below featured back-to-back three wall courts. Next to these are a pair of tennis courts: the dead ball carcasses are the evidence that shows the paddleball courts get some use- the tennis players practicing. But as of yet, I've not seen anyone playing our favorite sport, paddleball. 

On the Courts

I've been a guest of residents of this development, a "permanent invitee," so to speak and have practiced various times on these courts. Yes there's "mung" in the corners but the courts' ground surfaces are true with no cracks and the court boundaries are smooth. The only kicks one gets are from the added slickness of the paint on the lines- not from the "raised shoulder" as on other courts. 

The Beef

Maybe just the fact that theses are 3 wall courts would turn off some Historic Courts regulars (but not me!). Also if you look closely at the pics, you may notice that the courts are  raised from the surrounding area about 3 inches though the lines are flush. It's ok to practice here but in the heat of a game, one might forget the drop off the sides and take a bad spill or twist a wheel. 

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.  

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Hallendale Courts

Located right off Dixie Highway in Hallendale, I was pointed at these by Historic Courts regulars Ricky and Andre. Located on  the northbound side of Dixie Highway between SW 2nd and 3rd Street, these lighted 3 wall paddleball and racquetball courts are an imposing structure. As you can see by the pics, these courts are similar in construction to the Hallendale Beach courts- only double! Though I didn't get to play these, I did get to walk the courts and found them to be in great shape. The walls are smooth, the lines sharp and the hardcourt surfaces are in perfect condition. Go around the east side of these courts and there you will find what may have been someone's idea of a 1 wall paddleball court. As you can tell by the pics, this is one strange unit and I don't like to put discouraging words here on the Historic Courts unofficial web site- but in this court's case- "danger, Will Robinson! You just may break an ankle going after that corner kill or serve" because the sidelines are grass, not tarmac. Speaking of lines, you can see the serving box clearly marked off- but no wall boundaries. What gives? And you're definitely gonna get "kicks" off the sides of the court- right into the lawn! Call me chicken but If anything, I'll play on the excellent 3 wall paddleball or racquetball courts when I next come visit here. There's ice-cold water nearby and bathroom facilities may be available weeknights but were locked when I stopped by on a recent rainy Sunday afternoon.

Update

On a recent cool for South Florida Sunday and Monday, I decided to go hit a few- racquetballs and I didn't want to go freeze in the breeze at the beach- so instead, we hit the Hallendale Courts. Yeah, I played these courts, finally- and they're everything I thought they'd be- all kinds of fun! 

My kid's fascination with the more-than-one-wall game showed and at times he was chasin' the balls around but getting better by the hit. We've both resolved to buy safety gear, me a new racquet and play this game more often- I'd forgotten how much fun it is!

My assessment from above stands- this is a great place to play the 3 wall racquetball game- and as an added bonus, there's a new low line on the eastern court in case one want to practice serving a la WOR / Historic Courts rules.

The Beef!

Yeah, there had to be one! We got there late afternoon both Sunday and Monday. Sunday, as dusk fell, it got harder and harder to see the ball- We went from a green ball to a blue to a sky-bounce  yellow and finally just gave up. We waited for the lights and when we asked the caretaker who came by, we were told the lights don't come on during the weekend evenings- "only on the weekdays," he said, and besides, "we close at 7." That ended our racquetball day. We were still hankerin' to play so we went off to David Park to play "control-a-ball"- something my kid and I play when we don't want a heavy game but still want to have paddleball fun.
Sunday? I was still wanting to play so after a full day, we went back to the Hallendale Courts and played but as dusk fell, it became more and more evident that there were going to be no lights! We ended up going to the Hallendale Beach Courts and then got the lights shut off on us THERE? 

So what's up, Hallendale? On a cold weekend, when no one's is even considering using it, you can light the swimming pool area up like an airport and you leave the facilities people use dark? It wasn't only the racquetball courts- guys were playing basketball on the courts and soccer on the field in the dark. And you can't say it's because of the time because it was barely 6:30PM! And Hallendale Beach caretaker who shut the lights off on us? Lights out on the courts but shining on an unused piece of concrete? Is that an anti crime measure to keep people off it? I'll not get sarcastic... 

Washington Park

These back-to-back unlighted courts are configured in what I'm believing is the standard configuration for most Hollywood paddleball courts. Located in Washington Park, on Pembroke Road and 52nd Ave, these courts can be seen as one drives by on Pembroke. Though I've been told people play here and the courts show players' wear and tear, to date, I've been the only one on them when I visited.

On the Courts

Yup. The week before I snapped these pics, I stopped by these courts to try them out. I brought a can of new balls, my trusty Neo paddle and a towel for a practice workout. I practiced on both courts about a half hour each. I guess I must've looked a sight to all the round-ball playing guys- a lone wolf out there in the sun getting soaked in sweat. If you look at the pics, you'll notice the back-stops and the overall good condition of these courts. The paint on the walls is good and the courts' surfaces are crack free. These courts seem used and well maintained.

And now, The Beef

Well, There had to be some kind of beefin' didn't there? Being that these courts are built in the "standard Hollywood configuration," there's that pesky raised shoulder off the edge of the courts. If one's a stickler for lines, one would need to measure and mark out the lines but if one's not, one can get right to games here. 

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.  

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Hollywood Hills

Here's yet another pair of what appear to be a pair of those back-to-back Hollywood-standard-style courts. Located on Taft Street and 35th Avenue, these unlighted courts are an area landmark one can see right from the road. I stumbled on to these courts years back but because I wasn't really paying any mind, I forgot where they were until a conversation with some visitors to our Historic Courts who told me they played a the "Taft Street" courts often and gave me their location. I then resolved to see these courts again, of course! Did I use "courts" too many times in this paragraph? I wanted to see if you were really paying attention!

On the Courts

Well, you just knew that after wondering (occasionally) for all that time where these courts were, I just had to try them right? I stopped there recently from work for my daily practice. Parking in front of the school west of the courts, I grabbed my gear (and digital camera) and walked on over. One gets in to the park grounds through an entrance in the fence that runs along Taft.  As one approaches, one notices that there's a fresh coat of paint on the walls. The south side-facing wall and court are what one sees from Taft Street. They look good and they don't disappoint! That is fresh gloss paint on that wall and what? No raised shoulder off the edge of the courts?  So these aren't quite the standard Hollywood courts after all! Sweet!! 
I never did get a chance to bang any balls of the walls as it was thundering and threatening to rain. I snapped off my pics and hauled out of there- but I'll be back! I gotta take these courts for a spin! 

And now, Beefs

What? You didn't think I'd have any without trying out the courts? Well, I've got several: No backstops, for one- that'd make chasing the ball a "hits it, go gits it" proposition. Also lacking is fencing surrounding the courts themselves. Serve up an ace and that "hits it go gits it" rule comes into effect- that could be annoying as hell. They'd kill 2 birds with one stone by putting up fencing, cuz then backstops wouldn't be needed! Hey, while I'm offering suggestions, how about some benches for players to wait out their games? My other beef? Check out the court surface lines- on the north court they're way faded. And it looks to me like the south court's lines were laid out and put painted by the players themselves. Serving ticks are lacking and I'm not certain the courts are to the standard dimensions- but we can deal with that!
Other than the above, these courts looked awesome with barely a crack on the floor surface and flush lines! 
If you go, make a pit-stop at a rest room because there are no facilities on-site. Also, pack your cooler with ice and your favorite beverages because there's no water fountain either! 

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I'll be researching and taking pictures of all the local sites. Do YOU know of any courts I may have missed? Please feel free to Email me with the info and pics- or see me on the courts and let me know! Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Rainbow Park, Pembroke Pines

Wayyyyy out yonder (to us Hollywood Beach types, anyways) are these courts you see thumbnails of below. After many months of wanting to, one recent Sunday afternoon I finally made my way out to Rainbow Park. I needed to Nextel a friend in order to get directions  because, I guarantee you- these are courts you'd not stumble on to like some other ones here on this page. How to get there? Take Sheridan Street west out to Douglas Road then take a left (south) and continue 2 blocks to NW 23rd Street. Take a right and then a left at NW 93rd Avenue (no outlet sign on the right) to NW 19th Street, then take a left to the courts.

On the Courts

Yeah, what the hey? I drove all the way out there- you know I had to at least practice on these courts. So I broke out my Neo Slam and proceed to get a good practice work-out. I got lucky enough to actually play a couple of games, also. What are these courts almost in the middle of nowhere like? There's 8 of 'em, count them. Back to back but not in the Hollywood configuration (close, though!) the dark green walls give great bounces and provide great contrast to those big ol yella' tennis balls. There are some graffiti spots but those have been covered up well with paint. The ground surfaces? These babies are of the dark green "hardcourt" surfaces normally found on tennis courts and they show remarkably little wear. Cracks are very few and small enough to not affect a ball's bounce and lines are prominent, bright and flush! No "kicks" here!

And now, The Beefs

Well, git!  Right off the bat, you'll notice the lights are in disarray- and one's even missing. I've been told that what's there doesn't provide proper illumination. Since the storms blew through last year, night games at Rainbow Park just ain't been happening and I'm sure the regulars have been wishing the lighting was repaired already. It's been long enough, let's get hoppin', Pembroke Pines Parks & Rec! 
Another  thing you'll notice is the court dimensions- Not quite to our favorite Courts' standards. In defense of the extra size, I was able to pull cross-court aces galore for the two games I played- that would have otherwise gone "out." And the extra length of the court allows one to shoot unrecoverable kills 1 foot above the floor from downtown. It's hard making up all that distance in a sprint- it seems that far! Also, service ticks are missing. Break out your tape measure and sidewalk and chalk and violá! All in all, it's good facility, Pembroke Parks & Rec- but, guys: take a cue from the Historic Courts on Garfield Street, on Hollywood Beach- the tennis ball "mecca" of South Florida- your 8 courts, with all their positive attributes need bathroom facilities! These courts are out "in the sticks" and there is no place to "go" when you gotta. It just doesn't seem right to me- who planned this thing out anyways? Are we to go in the surrounding fields?. 
If you go- make sure you "go" before you get there cuz there are no facilities at all at this place. Also, there is no water fountain on site and there are no stores anywhere nearby, so bring your cooler stocked with water or your favorite sports drink.

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.  

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I'll be researching and taking pictures of all the local sites. Do YOU know of any courts I may have missed? Please feel free to Email me with the info and pics- or see me on the courts and let me know! Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Maxwell Park, Pembroke Pines

After hearing about these courts "forever," I was curious to find them. I'd spoken to Tom of the "Boom Box Crew" and he gave me directions and so one Saturday afternoon, I grabbed my gear bag, my kid and we went out in search of these courts. How to get there? Easy! Take Hollywood Boulevard west from I-95, and past the Florida's Turnpike overpass bear left. Look for 72nd Ave, go left and proceed about 3/4 mile and you'll see Maxwell Park Tennis Center on your right.  

On the Courts

About the courts- If you click on the thumbnails below and look at the pics, you'll see that these lighted courts are smooooth. I guess due to the fact that these courts are located on a tennis center, hard-court's the floor surface. The lines are flush and the walls are a dark green color which provides a great contrast for a tennis ball. The walls are solid and bounces are true- I could find no dead spots on any of the walls. Oh yeah. Go ahead and call me a paddleball geek but I had to try these courts. We practiced for much longer than usual. I found out from the tennis court  attendant that if we'd come earlier, we'd have had plenty of "comp" as many people come out to play earlier in the day to avoid the hot afternoon sun. There are benches to "chill" at and watch a game or wait for your "next," a cold water fountain over by the tennis courts, additional benches and shade east of the courts along with a tennis pro-shop, soda machine and rest-rooms. The catch is that the pro-shop and rest-rooms aren't open Sundays afternoons. 

The Beefs

Beefs?  Not many at all. I've stopped by these courts a couple of times and enjoyed myself. Court dimensions are a bit off- that is to say, longer and wider than the Historic Courts- but I guess this is something one gets used to and that our game's rule-book addresses in Section 2's "preamble." There's a few flaws on the walls that may cause an erratic bounce and for the good of the walls should be patched and painted. I'm no expert on concrete- but I've seen such cracks grow and the paint along them lift and peel off. Neglect will just cost more money in this case. I also noticed that on south-eastern most court, the hard-court surface was lifting a wrinkle along a crack and that's sure to cause problems eventually. (Pics below) These courts are reasonably well maintained- again because of the fact they're at a tennis center and the tennis players will point out the "practice-wall" court floor and wall flaws. I may sound bitter saying the following- but I'd bet that if paddleball players complained, they'd get the same attention the Historic Courts' players seem to get from Parks & Rec. Don't get me started! Also, I've not been there at night but- are those lights providing enough lumens for good night-time play? I'll have to stop by some evening.

Revisited

Ok, finally, I made it out in the evening and found "tennis ball" players there. My previous reservations about the lumens were somewhat lessened but the fact that the lights are behind the courts and there's no side illumination does cause shadows to fall in front of one. We quickly got used to the fact and managed to play some fun and competitive games on the eastern courts. The walls seem to be very dense making for a great bounce off them- you may have to slooow down your hit a bit to keep your serves in, partner!

Below are thumbnails of pics of the courts. Click on a thumb-nail to enlarge the picture, hit your backspace key on your keyboard or click the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.

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Driftwood Community Center

I found these courts one late Saturday afternoon when I was looking for my long-lost Paddleball-Pup's doggie gloves. (That's another story!) I'd only read about this particular facility in the Broward County web site and have never met anyone that's played there. So driving west on Sheridan, I saw a sign which indicated the Driftwood Community Center, was to the right  at 69th street and I took the turn that led me there. Keep driving and eyes left and you'll spot a large facility featuring tennis courts,  baseball, softball and soccer fields, kiddie playground, a pool, an oval running track and... lighted paddleball courts! Woo hoo!!

On the Courts

Visible from the street are these "standard Hollywood-configuration" lighted courts (that works against them- but more on that later). If you look at the pics, you can see the walls' white (and rust-stained) color but as a player, you know that big yella tennis ball's hard to miss seeing once you get into the action, right? The courts floor surfaces are consistently textured and without any major flaws and cracks running among them and the lines, where present, are very sharp and well defined. Bounces off the walls are solid and off the floors, predictable due to that mentioned textural consistency. 
My son and I practiced on court 2 for about an hour that afternoon and really did come to appreciate all the positive points this place has!

The Beefs

There's no one place I've found to be perfect and so I gotta beef about the Driftwood Courts. 
The first thing we noticed was the fact there was no side fencing. There's fencing behind both sides of the courts but none on the sides. And that kind of stuff leads to a lot of ball-fetching if you like serving or killing cross-court. Granted that there is rough grass around which will slow down the ball, but at times, it's gonna keep going right over the oval running track and away, so the fence would be nice! Next thing one notices is the lack of a "low" line, and after that, a proper "long" line. And while I'm on about lines, the outside lines here are sure to get monster "kick" out of the balls when they bounce on them, don't you think? I mentioned above that the walls were solid but if you look at the court 2 pic, you can see a flaw that's sure to get worse if not attended to. 
"Courts" 3 & 6?  I'm sure it was somebody's good idea to provide additional courts for players- but the walls narrow in as the get higher- as in the previously mentioned "standard Hollywood court configuration." 
These are no courts to play games on- just close-to-the-wall practice, if that. And again, no fencing around them's gonna make it suck when you miss a ball!
We purposely stayed late enough to see how well the lighting did its job and came away agreeing that though it could be better by properly aiming the lights so their beams criss-crossed the courts to light the inside/front corners better, over all, the courts were very playable as they were.

Conclusions

Though not perfect, this has gotta be a nice place to play due to the consistency of the courts floors! I'm sure there's rest-room facilities in the nearby club-house  as there are tennis courts at this facility and we all know how Parks and Rec treats tennis players vs paddleball players, right? We're the Rodney Dangerfields of sports-facilities users- we get no respect, I tell ya!. 
Anyhow- If you come out? Bring your tape measure, chalk line and chalk to mark up the long and the low lines. And also bring a cooler with your favorite beverages cuz the water-fountain's a bit of a walk away by the club-house and only seems to spray non-cooled water in your face due to some comedian having inserted twigs into the dispensing nozzle of the things. On the big plus side, there is a pool with diving boards one can dive into when all the playing's done! 
This is definitely a place I want to go back to!

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I'll be researching and taking pictures of all the local sites. Do YOU know of any courts I may have missed? Please feel free to Email me with the info and pics- or see me on the courts and let me know! Any input will be greatly appreciated.