If you are looking for a fun, social, and healthy activity to enjoy in New York City, try pickleball. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It is played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and solid-faced paddles. It is easy to learn, suitable for all ages and skill levels, and one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
Where to Play Pickleball in NYC?
If you are looking for places to play pickleball in NYC, you have several options depending on your location, skill level, and preference. Here are some of the best pickleball courts and communities in NYC:
Roosevelt Island:
This island has two dedicated pickleball courts on asphalt with nets. You can join open play sessions hosted by Joyce Short on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM or play anytime on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can also join the Slack Community channel #games_roosevelt_island or the TeamReach group code MyPickle for updates and communication.
James J Walker Park, Greenwich Village:
This park has two courts on asphalt, but you need to bring your portable net (BYON). You can organize play sessions with the West Village Pickleball community using the TeamReach group code NYCPMJJW. These courts are close to the ones at Houston and 6th.
Happy Warrior Playground, UWS:
This playground has one court on asphalt and may have room for more. You also need to bring your portable net (BYON). You can organize play sessions with other players using the Slack group channel #games_happy-warrior-playground.
DeWitt Clinton Park, Hell’s Kitchen:
This park has two painted courts and one taped court on asphalt. You also need to bring your portable net (BYON). There is no scheduled or organized play here, so it is first come, first serve.
Carl Schurz Park, Yorkville:
This park has three painted courts near the water. You also need to bring your portable net (BYON). There is open play throughout the day, and you can also join the TeamReach group code UESPickleball for updates and communication.
St. Catherine’s Park, Upper East Side:
This park has five taped or chalked courts on the athletic field. You can join open play sessions hosted by David Velasquez and the NYC Parks Department on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
William F. Passannante Ballfield (Houston & 6th), West Village:
This ballfield has seven painted courts on asphalt. You also need to bring your portable net (BYON). There is no scheduled or organized play here, so it is first come, first serve.
St. Vartan Handball Courts, Murray Hill:
This park has four handball courts that can be used for pickleball. You also need to bring your portable net (BYON). There is no scheduled or organized play here, so it is first come, first serve.
Central Park North Meadow Handball Courts, Central Park West:
This park has four handball courts that can be used for pickleball. You also need to bring your portable net (BYON). There is no scheduled or organized play here, so it is first come, first serve.
Wollman Rink at Central Park:
This rink has been transformed into the largest pickleball installation in the Northeast, with 12 courts on a synthetic surface. You can book a court online or walk in and rent paddles and balls if needed. You can also join clinics, leagues, and tournaments for players of all skill levels.
Why Are New Yorkers Obsessed With Pickleball?
Pickleball has been gaining popularity nationwide, especially in New York City, where it has become part of the local culture and lifestyle. Here are some of the reasons why New Yorkers love pickleball:
- Social and Interactive
Pickleball is a sport that fosters communication, camaraderie, and community. Players can chat with each other during breaks, cheer for their teammates, and make new friends. Pickleball also offers a way to stay connected and active during the pandemic, as it allows for physical distancing and outdoor play.
- Accessible and Inclusive
Pickleball is a sport that anyone can play, regardless of age, gender, background, or ability. The rules are simple, the equipment is affordable, and the court is small. Pickleball does not require a lot of strength, speed, or stamina but rather strategy, coordination, and finesse.
- Fun and Challenging
Pickleball is a sport that offers both enjoyment and excitement. Players can experience the thrill of hitting a winning shot, the satisfaction of improving their skills, and the joy of sharing a laugh with their opponents. Pickleball also challenges players to think creatively, react quickly, and adapt to different situations.
- Trendy and Innovative
Pickleball is a sport that reflects the spirit and identity of New York City. It is trendy, as it appeals to the fashion-conscious and hip crowd that likes to try new things and be part of a movement. It is also innovative, transforming existing spaces and facilities into new opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
How to Get Started With Pickleball in NYC?
If you are interested in playing pickleball in NYC, you might wonder how to get started. Here are some steps you can take to join the pickleball community and have a great time:
- Get the Right Equipment
You need a paddle, a ball, and a court to play pickleball. You can buy or rent paddles and balls at some of the places mentioned above or order them online. There are many types and brands of paddles and balls, so try different ones to see what works best for you.
- Find a Place to Play
As we have seen, there are many places to play pickleball in NYC, both indoors and outdoors. You can use websites like Places2Play.org or PickleballCentral.com to find courts near you. You can also use apps like Slack or TeamReach to join groups and communities that organize play sessions and events.
- Learn the Basics
Pickleball is a simple game to learn, but it has some unique rules and terms that you should familiarize yourself with before you play. You can watch videos online or read articles that explain the basics of pickleball for beginners. You can also ask other players or coaches for tips and advice.
- Practice Your Skills
Once you have learned the basics of pickleball, you can practice your skills by playing with other players or doing drills by yourself or with a partner. Practice makes perfect, and the more you do it, the more confident and proficient you will become.
- Have Fun
The most important thing to remember when playing pickleball is to have fun. Just focus on having a good time with your friends or making new ones. Pickleball is a sport that can bring you joy, health, and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are many pickleball courts in NYC, indoors and outdoors. You can find courts in various parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and even Central Park’s Wollman Rink. You can use websites or apps to find courts near you and join play sessions with other players.
Pickleball in Central Park costs money depending on the time and day you play. You can book a court online or walk-in at the Wollman Rink, which has been converted into 14 pickleball courts on a synthetic surface. Peak hours are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Off-peak hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Court reservations (up to 8 players) cost $120 per hour during peak hours and $80 per hour during off-peak hours. You can also rent paddles and balls for $6 each if needed.
One place to play pickleball in the Bronx, NY, is Van Cortland Park, which has pickleball courts, according to the NYC Parks website. However, more information about these courts’ availability and reservation must be provided. Another option is to join an NYC Parks recreation center that offers pickleball lessons and open play—for example, the Alfred E Smith Recreation Center in Two Bridges. You need a membership to access these centers and follow city and state health and safety mandates. You can also use websites or apps like Places2Play.org or PickleballCentral.com to find more courts near you.
Yes, you can play pickleball every day if you enjoy it and have no health issues that prevent you from doing so. However, you should also listen to your body and take breaks to avoid overuse injuries or burnout. You should also warm up properly, stretch after playing, and hydrate well.
No, you do not need to be fit to play pickleball. Pickleball is a sport anyone can play, regardless of age, gender, background, or ability. The rules are simple, the equipment is affordable, and the court is small. Pickleball does not require strength, speed, or stamina but strategy, coordination, and finesse. Pickleball also accommodates different skill levels, as players can adjust the pace and intensity of the game according to their preferences. Beginners and experts alike are welcome at pickleball.
Conclusion
Well, let’s wrap up! Pickleball is a sport that has taken over NYC in a unique way. It is a sport that is easy to learn, fun to play, and good for your health. It is a sport that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. If you want to join the pickleball craze in NYC, you can follow the steps above to get started. Pickleball is more than just a sport. It is a lifestyle, and it is waiting for you in NYC.