NYC Pickleball
Pickleball Courts
Join the growing community of pickleball players in Central Park.
Pickleball is often described as a mix of tennis, table tennis, and badminton played on small courts. Find out where and how to play this rapidly-growing sport in Central Park!
Where to Play Pickleball
Please note: North Meadow Recreation Center pickleball courts are currently closed for renovation and will reopen mid-summer 2024.
In Central Park there are currently two places to play pickleball, depending on the time of the year:
North Meadow Recreation Center Pickleball Courts
Year-round, a large, friendly community of pickleball players congregates daily around three to five nets at the North Meadow Recreation Center handball courts on 97th Street. Court reservations are not needed at this location. Just show up anytime to play!
Wollman Rink Pickleball Courts
In the warmer months, you can now play pickleball at any of the 14 permanent new pickleball courts at Wollman Rink. The iconic location is currently offering pickleball through 2026 during their off-season as part of a three-year deal with CityPickle. Find out how to reserve a court at Wollman Rink.
About Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport commonly referred to as a mix of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It's an indoor or outdoor sport, suitable for all ages and skill levels. It can be played with two players (singles) or four players (doubles) but is most commonly played as doubles. With skill it can become a fast-paced, highly competitive game.
The rules are simple, and the game is easy to learn. Pickleball players say that it’s easier to learn and play than tennis, especially because pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts (44 feet long by 20 feet wide) and players do not have to run or whack the ball (which has less bounce than tennis balls) as far.
Pickleball, originally invented in 1965 by three dads with bored kids, has now evolved into an extremely popular sport in North America and is even growing internationally as well. There are tournaments, professional tours, a professional league, and national and international competitions for the sport.
It only takes a few minutes to learn the basics. If you stop by the North Meadow Recreation Center, chances are one of the regular players will be able to teach you! And if you play at Wollman Rink you have the option to book a coach.