NEW YORK — New York City is a Mecca for many things. You can now add pickleball to the list.

The largest pickleball facility in the Northeast opened Friday at the rink Wollman Ice Rink of central parka months-long transformation that will offer players of all levels access to the revived popular sport and now a global trend.

The rink has been converted into 14 pickleball courts offering 196 hours of play per day, according to CityPickle, which manages the facility and held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday. Each court can accommodate four to eight people at a time. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The installation remains until October 9.

Pickleball exploded in popularity last year, thanks in part to the support of players like LeBron James, Tom Brady and more than 36 million Americans. It is the fastest growing sport in the United States, according to CityPickle.

You do not know what it is ? CityPickle explains, “It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong on a badminton-sized court that requires a net, paddle and wiffle ball. Enjoying a day of pickleball requires no prior knowledge of the game.

Great, no prior knowledge required: where can we sign up?

You can just show up at Central Park and try to get a court, but CityPickle recommends booking ahead. Walk-in tours are subject to availability. How much does it cost? You have the choice :

  • Court reservations (up to 8 players): $80 per court per hour (off-peak hours) / $120 per court per hour (peak hours)
  • open game: $20 per player per hour (off-peak hours) / $30 per player per hour (peak hours)
  • community game: $5 per player per hour (free rental paddles included!)
  • Clinical: $40 per player per hour

Peak hours are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and all day Friday Saturday and Sunday. Off-peak hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.


CityPickle

Here’s an aerial view of Wollman Rink’s transformation.

You have more questions ? Check out the CityPickle FAQ page here.

CityPickle has run similar pop-up installations at Hudson Yards and the TWA Hotel. It plans to open a permanent location this spring at its Long Island City facility, which will include a bar and restaurant as well as indoor courts.

Here is an overview of it:

city ​​pickle lic


CityPickle

CityPickle’s permanent location at City of Long Island opening in spring 2023.

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