The expansive pickleball court complex set up for the first time last year is making a comeback to the Wollman Rink in New York’s Central Park on Wednesday.
Wollman Rink
Partnering with CityPickle, Wollman Rink will accommodate 14 pickleball courts from May 1 through early autumn, welcoming players daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CityPickle reported that last year’s debut of the Central Park courts saw a remarkable turnout, with over 56,000 players enjoying the sport throughout the spring and summer.
In addition to unveiling the opening date, Wollman Park Partners and CityPickle disclosed a three-year agreement extending from 2024 to 2026, ensuring the ongoing use of the space as pickleball courts.
Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue stated, “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.”
Prices Reflective Of Downtown Location
While court bookings can accommodate up to eight players, prices are reflective of the location in one of the most exclusive areas of the city. Peak-hour reservations are priced at $120, while off-peak slots cost $80. Peak hours are designated as every hour from Friday through Sunday, with off-peak hours spanning from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. With four players typically participating in a pickleball game, the average cost per person during peak hours amounts to $30.
To mitigate those high prices, CityPickle and Wollman Park Partners have introduced the Community Play program this year. It offers two hours of play for $10 per person during specified times, inclusive of a complimentary paddle rental (availability is limited, so act swiftly). Additionally, the venue will offer group clinics, private coaching sessions, and competitive leagues.
Wollman Rink sits just south of the 65th Street Transverse within Central Park.
Click here for more information and to reserve courts.
CityPickle
CityPickle is renowned for introducing pickleball to notable New York City landmarks, including Central Park and JFK Airport. In September, it opened its inaugural permanent pickleball club in Long Island City. The groundbreaking club is a 10,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar facility with four indoor courts, all climate-controlled, and an impressive 21-foot-high ceiling.
Co-founders Mary Cannon and Erica Desai have hinted at future expansions, suggesting that the Long Island City establishment is just the inception of a broader vision.
They also described their ideal scenario: “We can’t think of a more perfect combination than dinking on the courts with margaritas and delicious food to enjoy.”
They opened a brand-new indoor location in Brooklyn at 51 34th Street within Industry City, one of Brooklyn’s most popular art-focused entertainment districts. However, their website states this facility is now “closed for the season”, as are a number of their other establishments. Keep an eye on the latest developments by clicking here.
The brand also announced it was adopting the PodPlay technology platform. The system integrates hardware features such as replays, scoreboards, and door access with essential venue management software.
