The park's famed ice skating venue is once again repurposed to meet the demands of the country's fastest growing sport. Started last Friday, New Yorkers and visitors alike can bring their A-game to one of 14 courts set up in the heart of Manhattan to play the tennis, badminton, and ping-pong hybrid. Time Out New York reports that this season, which marks the third for pickleball at this location, is the largest offering of its kind in the Northeast, inviting all skill levels to enjoy open play, court rentals, and various clinics until the early fall.
Today, CityPickle unveiled its summer lineup, kicking things off with an opening ceremony at 1:40 p.m., followed by $5 community play from noon to 3 p.m., They're hoping to build on the 130,000 people that organizers say have visited the courts over the past two years. According to an article from CBS News New York, slots are available for reservation, and the rink will operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, although those bargain $5 community play slots are already sold out for the coming week. Players can reserve courts starting at $10 per player during off-peak times to $15 during peak hours – a substantial increase from last year's fees.
Group clinics, private coaching lessons, and leagues are all on the table to meet schedules and levels of experience. "You don't need any existing knowledge of the game to have fun playing," Time Out New York says, emphasizing the sport's inclusivity and accessibility for a wide range of ages and physical abilities.
Those looking to make a day of it can expect on-site provisions by Great Performances, with courtside cabanas up for grabs and the venue ready to play host to birthday parties, family gatherings, even, team-building exercises. Bret Pidgeon, general manager of Wollman Rink, told Time Out New York, “Pickleball has grown in popularity because it's a social and accessible sport.” CityPickle also offers summer camps from July 7 to August 15, promising full-day and half-day sessions replete with expert coaching.
Wollman Rink, located between East 62nd and East 64th Streets off Fifth Avenue on Manhattan's Upper East Side, celebrates its 75th anniversary as a key part of New York City's recreational and cultural scene. Open year-round, the rink invites visitors to try new activities, whether it's skating in winter or enjoying pickleball games and soft serve treats.
