Bronx Pickleball Court Expansion Petition: Pickleball players in the Bronx are petitioning for more space to play, asking city officials to add courts at Orchard Beach and to turn half of Pelham Bay Park’s tennis courts into pickleball courts. They say demand is high, and more facilities would benefit both players and the community.
Petition for More Courts
The petition is led by Mary Ann Berrios, a local player at Orchard Beach. She believes more courts would bring people together and create new opportunities.
“What joy would that bring the neighborhood,” Mary Ann Berrios said.
Her proposal asks the city to convert five of Pelham Bay Park’s 10 tennis courts into 10 pickleball courts. She says the tennis courts are “hardly used” and believes the location, with free parking, could host tournaments that bring in money.
“The city can run tournaments that could bring in revenue,” she said.
Pickleball’s Fast Growth
Pickleball has grown faster than any other sport in the U.S. over the past three years, increasing by 223.5 percent, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
In the Bronx, Emilio Malave has watched the sport expand across the boroughs. He started playing three years ago at Wollman Rink in Central Park before practicing at Orchard Beach.
By June 2023, he launched an Orchard Beach Pickleball group that has grown to more than 300 members. Today, 25 to 30 players regularly fill the courts.
“We don’t discriminate. Anyone that comes, wants to play, whether beginner, expert, whatever, we welcome everyone with open arms,” said Emilio Malave.
Inclusive and Social Game
Malave credits the sport’s welcoming culture for its popularity.
The Orchard Beach group is made up of players of all ages and backgrounds.
The group is “all ages, all colors, all creeds,” Malave said. “Very inclusive group, just the type of folks we are.”
Current Challenges
Right now, Orchard Beach has only two dedicated pickleball courts and two handball courts used as temporary play areas. The courts fill up quickly, leaving players waiting and wishing for more space.
“They aren’t the nicest of courts but we make do,” Malave said.
“There’s like cracks in them. We just work around it, I guess. This is what we have – we’re from the Bronx, and so we know how to adapt to things,” he said.
Looking Ahead
City officials are already planning an $87 million renovation of Orchard Beach to improve the area and attract tourists. Berrios hopes pickleball will be included in those upgrades.
“A lot of towns and communities are spending millions or thousands of dollars to bring pickleball to their communities, because they know it has many health as well as many economic benefits as well,” Berrios said.
Malave added that more courts at Pelham Bay Park would give local kids easy access to the sport. “Kids could just walk in and play,” he said.
Why It Matters
Supporters believe that more pickleball courts would not only serve the growing number of players but also provide economic benefits through tournaments and tourism. The petition signals that the sport’s rapid rise in the Bronx is likely to continue, with players pushing for long-term facilities.
News in Brief: Bronx Pickleball Court Expansion Petition
Bronx pickleball players are calling for more courts at Orchard Beach and Pelham Bay Park. A petition led by Mary Ann Berrios seeks to convert tennis courts into pickleball courts. With membership growing and limited facilities, players like Emilio Malave say new courts would help meet demand and benefit the community.
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