Central Park’s Pickleball Phenomenon: CityPickle kicked off its summer season at Wollman Rink on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with an opening ceremony at 1:40 p.m., followed by $5 community play from noon to 3 p.m. Organizers hope to top the 130,000 visitors the venue has seen over the past two years.
Located between East 62nd and East 64th Streets off Fifth Avenue, the rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Players can reserve court slots starting at $10 per player during off-peak hours and $15 during peak times, a price increase from last year. Community play slots for the week are already sold out.
Growing Popularity and Activities
CityPickle is expanding its offerings this summer. Group clinics, private lessons, and leagues are available to players of all skill levels. Summer camps run from July 7 to August 15, with full-day and half-day options taught by expert coaches.
“You don’t need any existing knowledge of the game to have fun playing,” Time Out New York said, highlighting how easy it is for beginners to get involved. The sport continues to attract players of all ages and abilities.
Food, Events, and Community Fun
On-site food service is provided by Great Performances, and courtside cabanas can be rented. The venue is also available for parties, family gatherings, and team-building events.
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.”
A Landmark in NYC’s Recreation Scene
Wollman Rink is celebrating its 75th year as a hub of fun and fitness in the city. Open year-round, it shifts from ice skating in winter to pickleball and soft serve in warmer months. Organizers are building on the momentum as more New Yorkers discover the joys of the game.
CityPickle’s growth shows how inclusive and engaging pickleball can be. With affordable options, a wide range of programs, and a scenic location, the venue continues to serve as a community space for active fun. The expanded summer lineup could draw even more players in the months ahead.
News in Brief: Central Park’s Pickleball Phenomenon
CityPickle reopened its summer season at Wollman Rink with $5 community play and new programs including lessons, camps, and leagues. Court reservations now start at $10. The rink, celebrating 75 years, continues to be a recreational hotspot for pickleball and more, drawing over 130,000 visitors in two years.
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