Rouse Park
Cañon City, CO 81212 United States Get Directions
Venue Overview
Rouse Park is a public park in Cañon City with six outdoor pickleball courts, lighted baseball and softball fields, a basketball court and two pavilions, run by the Cañon City Area Metropolitan Recreation and Park District. It sits on Park Avenue in central Cañon City, a few blocks from US 50 and the Royal Gorge corridor. Its pickleball courts are home to the Canon City Pickleball Classic each May, and its ball fields carry recreation leagues, Canon City High School games and traveling team tournaments nine to ten months a year, making it one of the most used parks in the district.
About the Park
- Six outdoor pickleball courts, converted from the old tennis courts
- Baseball and softball fields with upgraded lighting
- Batting cage
- Open west end used for football and soccer practices and games
- Basketball court, rebuilt in 2014
- Playground with equipment replaced in 2020
- Two reservable pavilions near the playground
History
- Rouse Park was the first park owned and operated by the Recreation District.
- 2014: the basketball court was reconstructed.
- 2016: the cracked old tennis courts were rebuilt as six pickleball courts after local player Peg Davison asked the district to revamp them, opening in November 2016.
- 2020: a Great Outdoors Colorado grant replaced the playground equipment.
- 2022 to 2023: a major improvement project upgraded the lighting and ball fields.
Outdoor Pickleball in Cañon City
The six Rouse Park courts are the hub of Cañon City pickleball, used for open play, recreation programs and tournaments. When they opened in 2016 the town already counted nearly 100 pickleball players, and the district has since partnered with the Canon City Pickleball Association on its annual spring tournament. The courts are outdoors and open dawn to dusk, so plan play around weather and daylight.
Events Held Here
- Canon City Pickleball Classic: each May, run with the Canon City Pickleball Association; the 2025 edition was held May 23 and 24.
- Baseball and softball tournaments: several tournaments each year, plus recreation leagues, Canon City High School games and traveling teams.
- Football and soccer: practices and games on the west end.
- Pavilion gatherings: parties, weddings and other functions.
Upcoming events at this venue are listed below.
Lessons, Coaching & Programs
The Cañon City Area Metropolitan Recreation and Park District runs youth and adult recreation programs that use the Rouse Park fields and courts, including adult softball. The district does not publish named pickleball instructors for the park as of 2026, so check with the district and the Canon City Pickleball Association for clinics.
Food, Drink & Amenities
- Two pavilions for picnics and team gatherings
- Playground
- Field lighting
Private Events & Groups
The two pavilions can be reserved for parties, weddings and team functions, and the ball fields can be reserved for games and tournaments. Call the Recreation District office to book fields and pavilions.
Membership or Access
Rouse Park is a free public park, open daily from dawn to dusk. Field and pavilion use for organized events requires a reservation with the district.
Contact & Links
Questions About Rouse Park
How many pickleball courts does Rouse Park have?
Rouse Park has six outdoor pickleball courts, opened in 2016 on the site of the old tennis courts. They are open dawn to dusk.
Does Rouse Park host pickleball tournaments?
Yes, Rouse Park hosts the Canon City Pickleball Classic each May with the Canon City Pickleball Association. The 2025 edition ran May 23 and 24.
Are there baseball and softball fields at Rouse Park?
Yes, Rouse Park has lighted baseball and softball fields used for leagues, high school games and tournaments. Lighting and fields were upgraded in 2022 and 2023.
Is Rouse Park free to use?
Yes, Rouse Park is a free public park open daily from dawn to dusk. Field and pavilion bookings are made through the Recreation District.
Can I host an event at Rouse Park?
Yes, Rouse Park fields and pavilions can be reserved through the Cañon City Area Metropolitan Recreation and Park District. Call the district office to book.
How do I list my event?
You can list an event at Rouse Park for free on Colorado Under Par. Submit it at coloradounderpar.com/submit-event and it will appear on this venue page.
Planning Your Event Here
Six courts suit a one-day round robin or a bracketed tournament, with a pavilion for check-in, food and awards. Ball field tournaments should be booked early, since fields are in use most of the year. Outdoor play depends on weather and daylight, so set a rain plan. Contact the venue for current pricing and availability.
Hosting an Event at Rouse Park? List It on Colorado Under Par
If you’re organizing a pickleball tournament, round robin, softball tournament or baseball tournament at Rouse Park, once you have your permit from the Cañon City Area Metropolitan Recreation and Park District, you can list your event for free on Colorado Under Par, Colorado’s dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado’s active sports community takes less than five minutes.
List your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event
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