Where to Play Pickleball in NYC

Pickleball
Written By Marnie Kunz
where-to-play-pickleball-nyc-central-park

Pickleball in Central Park. Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.

By Marnie Kunz

If you’re looking for where to play pickleball in NYC, you’ve come to the right place. New York City has many stellar pickleball options, and the amount of courts continues to grow. Whether you want to play pickleball in a scenic city park like Central Park or a private club, there are endless options in the Big Apple. 

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Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.

Pickleball’s Booming Popularity

Pickleball has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity across the United States, and New York City is no exception. Pickleball has been named the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for three years in a row. The number of pickleball players has surged by 223.5% in the last three years.

Although pickleball started as a popular sport for older adults, the number of new players ages 18 to 34 has skyrocketed in recent months. 

Pickleball in New York City

Pickleball’s adaptable nature and ability to be played in various spaces (parks, rooftops, indoor facilities) has made it particularly appealing to city dwellers. As you may have noticed by the number of pickleball courts around the city, NYC has experienced a rapid increase in pickleball courts and players. The city now boasts over 400 public pickleball courts. In addition to pickleball courts in NYC parks, there are many pickleball clubs and indoor courts.

Public Parks

New York City is home to public pickleball courts in every borough, from Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens. You can play pickleball in iconic Central Park in Manhattan or have a pickleball party in Dumbo overlooking the NYC skyline for unforgettable experiences. 

If you’re looking for where to play pickleball in NYC, these are some of the top public courts, broken down by borough:

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CityPickle in Central Park, Manhattan.

Manhattan

  • Central Park: CityPickle offers 14 pickleball courts in Wollman Rink in Central Park. Enjoy a match with the stunning city skyline surrounding you. Prices range from $5 for group play to $60 for a court. 

  • Riverside Park: This iconic Upper West Side and Harlem park includes 5 outdoor asphalt pickleball courts. Take in stunning views of the Hudson River while playing your favorite sport for free! Reservations not accepted - free drop-in play during park hours.

  • Carl Schurz Park: Located on the Upper East Side, Carl Schurz Park offers 3 asphalt courts with free play. 

  • James J. Walker Park: If you’re looking for pickleball in downtown Manhattan, James J. Walker Park is a popular place to play. The Greenwich Village park has 2 free pickleball courts. 

Brooklyn

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Pickleball in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo.

  • Dumbo: For some of the best NYC views, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2. The scenic park along the East River has Manhattan skyline views and two free courts to enjoy. 

  • Marine Park: Sprawling Marine Park in South Brooklyn features 8 dedicated pickleball courts, making it a popular spot for players. Play is free. The Marine Park Pickleball Association, which has over 1,000 members, helped bring the pickleball courts to the park. 

  • McCarren Park: Popular Williamsburg hub McCarren Park has 16 outdoor pickleball courts.

Queens

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Flushing Meadows Corona Park hosts the APP Pickleball Tournament.

  • Astoria Park: This waterfront park provides a picturesque backdrop for pickleball under the Triborough Bridge, with four dedicated courts available. Bring your own net and enjoy free play.

  • Louis C. Moser Playground: This Northern Queens park offers multiple pickleball courts, attracting diverse players.

  • Rockaway Beach Boardwalk: Picturesque Rockaway Beach offers a free pickleball court on the boardwalk. Enjoy a beach day and pickleball game for a fun escape from the bustle of the city. 

  • Flushing Meadows Corona Park: This expansive Queens park hosts the APP Pickleball Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King USTA National Tennis Center.

Bronx

  • Van Cortlandt Park: One of the largest parks in NYC, Van Cortlandt Park offers a free pickleball court.

  • Crotona Park: This Bronx park has 2 free pickleball courts, providing a convenient option for Bronx residents.

Staten Island

  • Fairview Park: Offering a serene environment, the popular Fairview Park provides pickleball courts for residents and visitors alike.

Indoor Pickleball Facilities

If you’re wondering where to play pickleball in NYC during bad weather or for a VIP experience, check out one of the many indoor courts. Indoor courts offer a stable climate, so you don’t have to worry about wind, sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations that can affect outdoor play. In a city with extreme heat and cold, indoor courts allow you to play pickleball year-round. Indoor courts are usually designed for pickleball, providing consistent bounce and reducing the risk of injuries.

Here are some indoor pickleball courts in NYC to check out:

Tips for Pickleball Players

When you’re playing pickleball, the right gear can help you play better and reduce your risk of injuries. Here are some tips to help you choose the best pickleball gear:

  • Choose the right paddle. Look for a comfortable grip that allows for proper control. Lighter paddles offer better maneuverability, while heavier ones provide more power.

  • Try before you buy. Our demo program allows you to try different pickleball paddles before purchasing the best one. 

  • Use the right ball. Opt for balls that maintain their bounce and shape over time. Use balls designed for the specific playing surface you will be playing on. 

NYC Racquet Sports Has the Best NYC Pickleball Gear

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Come see us in Herald Square for all your pickleball needs.

Pickleball is an exciting paddle sport that continues to grow quickly in New York City and the world. Now that you know where to play pickleball in NYC, you can find the right pickleball gear at our Herald Square flagship store. Our pickleball experts will help you find the best gear for your play style.

We’re thrilled to offer a demo program where you can test drive a variety of paddles before committing to a purchase. Our demo program is the perfect opportunity to find the paddle that complements your unique playing style. 

Once you’ve found your ideal paddle, explore our extensive selection of pickleball gear, including balls, shoes, apparel, and accessories. We carry top brands and offer competitive prices, ensuring you have everything you need to excel on the court.

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Marnie Kunz is a writer, fitness trainer, and founder of Runstreet running and fitness training based in Brooklyn, NY.

Marnie Kunz

Marnie Kunz is a writer and dog lover based in Brooklyn, NY. She is a running coach and certified trainer.

https://www.bookofdog.co/about
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