Pickleball at Greenburgh’s Anthony F. Veteran Park: New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly woman MaryJane Shimsky have announced a significant development in Greenburgh, NY. Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation S.8630/A.9132 into law, marking a pivotal step in expanding community access to pickleball at Anthony F. Veteran Park.
This move updates a 2012 bill championed by Stewart-Cousins that originally allowed for the construction of a tennis bubble at the park. The new legislation ensures that these courts will now accommodate not only tennis but also pickleball, reflecting the sport’s surging popularity.
Legislative Impact and Community Benefits
The newly signed law clarifies that “tennis facilities” now include areas for various racquet sports, including pickleball. This change, requested by the Town of Greenburgh, is aimed at optimizing the use of existing courts for a broader range of recreational activities.
With pickleball recognized as the fastest-growing sport in America, this expansion is set to enhance community engagement and offer year-round access to the sport.
Pickleball’s Rapid Growth
A recent report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) shows the rapid rise of pickleball. Participation numbers surged by 51.8% between 2022 and 2023, and an impressive 223.5% since 2020. This growth highlights the increasing demand for dedicated pickleball spaces and reinforces the importance of this legislative update.
Statements from Key Figures
“The passage of this legislation is a fun and exciting step forward for our community. By expanding the use of these courts to include pickleball, we’re creating more opportunities for residents to engage in healthy, active recreation. Providing accessible and enjoyable ways to stay active is especially vital for our aging community. These courts will now accommodate a broader range of activities, benefiting everyone. I want to thank Co-Sponsor Assemblywoman Shimsky, retired Parks Commissioner Gerry Byrne, the Town of Greenburgh, and Governor Hochul for their collaboration and support in making this happen.” – (Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins)
Assemblywoman Shimsky echoed this sentiment, stating,
“The people of Greenburgh and I are grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law. Recreation is vital for the physical and emotional well-being of our communities, and the Town of Greenburgh can now offer a full range of racquet sports, including the wildly popular pickleball, at their facilities. Kudos to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, the Town Supervisor, and the Town Council for their leadership, and a special thanks to retired Parks Commissioner Gerry Byrne for his strong advocacy on this issue.”
Ongoing Commitment to Park and Recreational Facilities
Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins has been a longstanding advocate for the expansion and modernization of New York’s parks and recreational facilities. Her efforts began with the 2012 legislation that facilitated the construction of the tennis bubble at Anthony F. Veteran Park.
More recently, her leadership has contributed to a substantial increase in state parks funding, with capital investments rising from $200 million to $642 million since 2019. These funds support a wide range of projects aimed at revitalizing, preserving, and enhancing New York’s public recreational spaces.
News in Brief: Pickleball at Greenburgh’s Anthony F. Veteran Park
New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly woman MaryJane Shimsky announced that Governor Hochul has signed legislation S.8630/A.9132, expanding pickleball access at Anthony F. Veteran Park in Greenburgh, NY. This law updates a 2012 bill to include pickleball alongside tennis.
The legislation responds to the sport’s rapid growth, with a 51.8% increase in participants from 2022 to 2023. The Town of Greenburgh requested this change to maximize court usage and offer year-round pickleball. Stewart-Cousins and Shimsky highlighted the community benefits and ongoing efforts to enhance New York’s recreational facilities.
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