Central Park’s Wollman Rink is home to one of the city’s most famous ice rinks, and turned into retro roller disco for a limited-time last summer! Yet this year, Wollman Rink cooked up an even more exciting transformation with 14 pickleball courts now in Central Park.
The quickly growing sport has already gotten some attention earlier last month with a brand new high-end pickleball club that opened in Hell’s Kitchen and a pop-up at TWA Hotel this past fall.
Now, New Yorkers have even more opportunities to test their skills at the all ages game thanks to CityPickle, presented by by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies and Equinox.
“Wollman Park Partners continues to transform an iconic piece of New York City – Wollman Rink – into a community asset that serves every New Yorker so they can enjoy popular programming at flexible prices. Our partnership with CityPickle captures that spirit and brings to life one of the world’s fastest-growing sports for individuals and families across the city,” said Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Founders of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
The 14 courts fit anywhere from 4-8 people each that are available daily from 7pm to 9pm. It’s the largest pickleball installation in the entire Northeast.
This makes it the perfect venue for company bonding, family outings and birthdays. Parties can rent out one of the nine private courtside cabanas to maximize their experience.
Court reservations opened up on Friday, March 31st. Players are able to rent CityPickle paddles for $6 if they don’t already own one. Rental pricing for the courts vary. Group Reservations start at $10-$15 per person and Open Play (for solo players who can participate in a group aided by a trained coach) comes out to $30 per person. In order to make the courts accessible to all New Yorkers, CityPickle will also reserve three courts from 10am to 12pm daily for Community Play, facilitated by a trained coach for $5 per person (equipment included).
After working up a sweat, players can fill up on food and drink provided by Great Performances
There will also be a variety of programming to look forward to including weekly, two hour sessions with The Challenged Athletes Foundation, camp field trips, and free courttime for YMCA, Solutions Now and Fountain house.
“Pickleball is a sport that became immensely popular after the pandemic – it’s a fun, fast-paced sport that’s easy to pick up and accessible for players of all ages and abilities. We’re thrilled to see pickleball coming to Central Park’s Wollman Rink, a highly visible and well-loved space that is a destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.
And though the courts will only remain open through October 9, 2023, CityPickle is opening their first permanent location in Long Island City this spring!
Find out more about CityPickle on their website here.