Images courtesy of Justin Steele
Central Park will be a summer pickleball hotspot for at least the next three years. Following last season’s success, the park’s iconic Wollman Rink will once again transform into CityPickle, a 14-court pickleball installation offering lessons, open-play sessions, and tournaments, starting May 1. Presented by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies, and Equinox, CityPickle signed a three-year agreement, securing pickleball in the park until 2026.
“Bringing the joy and togetherness of pickleball to as many people as possible remains our number one priority. Last year, this partnership offered tens of thousands the opportunity to experience play and community at the most iconic court location in the world, in the heart of Central Park,” Mary Cannon, CityPickle co-founder, said in a statement.
CityPickle debuted at Wollman Rink last summer, drawing more than 56,000 players from all ages and backgrounds. The installation first launched in the city in 2022 with seasonal courts at Hudson Yards and the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. Last year, it opened its first-ever permanent location in Long Island City, featuring indoor climate-controlled courts, a full bar, and a restaurant.
For the 2024 season, CityPickle will feature 14 permanent, newly-resurfaced courts, which together with C&D Pickleball Nets will ensure a world-class experience for both new and professional players.
Courts can host up to eight players and are reservable from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., starting one week before opening day on May 1. Prices start at $10 per player during off-peak hours and $12.50 during peak hours.
The venue can also be rented for special occasions, including birthday parties, family gatherings, and corporate events.
To ensure equitable access to pickleball, CityPickle is partnering with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Health Advocates for Older People, Ice Hockey in Harlem, City Parks Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Fountain House.
“Pickleball isn’t just a game; it’s a bridge that connects generations, fosters community, and promotes inclusivity for players of all ages and abilities,” NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said.
“To see pickleball coming to Central Park’s Wollman Rink combines the joy of outdoor recreation with the social and health benefits of community engagement. Wollman Rink provides ample space for pickleball, allowing players to enjoy the game while basking in the beautiful greenery of one of our most famed parks.”
The pickleball craze continues to grow throughout the five boroughs. Last week, New York City’s largest indoor pickleball club opened at Life Time at Penn 1 within the Penn District. The 54,000-square-foot club has seven dedicated courts.
In Downtown Brooklyn, the 26,000-square-foot Court 16 offers seven tennis and pickleball courts for kids and adults at the City Point complex. The city’s Parks Department also has an interactive map of pickleball court locations across the city.
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