Oyster Bay Town Board Approves Pickleball Tournament: The Oyster Bay Town Board took significant steps to enhance pickleball offerings during its meeting on December 10. The Board authorized the Town’s Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for May 17-18, 2025, and increased funding for pickleball instructors to meet the growing demand for the sport.
Upcoming Pickleball Tournament
The upcoming tournament will feature nine divisions, with a total of 18 awards for local athletes. The entry fee is set at $40 per team for residents and $50 for non-residents.
Winners will receive a complimentary Town pick-up pickleball session, redeemable during the 2025 season. This event aims to promote pickleball and engage the community in healthy competition.
Increased Funding for Instructors
In response to rising enrollment in pickleball and yoga classes, the Board approved an increase in funding for instructors. The budget for 2024 was raised from $42,200 to $47,856.25, as stated in Resolution 926-2024. This additional funding reflects the Town’s commitment to providing quality recreational programs for its residents.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Since the opening of its first courts in Bethpage in 2018, pickleball has become a staple in the Town of Oyster Bay. The Parks Department launched co-ed recreational pickleball classes in 2020 and added summer pickup games in 2024.
New courts were constructed at H. Garrick Williams Park in Massapequa in 2022, with additional courts built at John Burns Park. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino emphasized the importance of expanding pickleball facilities.
“Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and our Town is proud to lead the way in creating opportunities for residents to enjoy this exciting game.” – (Saladino)
Saladino highlighted recent developments, including new courts at Tappen Beach, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Anchor Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, with plans for more in Farmingdale and Massapequa.
“In 2024 alone, we opened courts at Tappen Beach, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Anchor Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, with plans to bring even more courts to Farmingdale and Massapequa. These investments in recreational spaces enhance our community and provide fun, healthy activities for all ages.” – (Saladino)
Supporting Local Recreation
The Village of Massapequa Park also responded to the growing interest in pickleball by opening a court at Brady Park in 2022. The increase in pickleball facilities and programs demonstrates the Town’s commitment to fostering a healthy and active community.
In other business at the December 10 meeting, the Town Board authorized the 2025 Town membership in local Chambers of Commerce and approved a site plan for a new indoor recreation building for the Nassau County Police Athletic League. The Board also reappointed Lois Schmitt to the Zoning Board of Appeals and rescheduled the January 14 meeting to January 7, 2025.
The Town Board’s actions reflect a proactive approach to enhancing recreational opportunities, ensuring that residents can enjoy the benefits of pickleball and other activities in their community.
News in Brief: Oyster Bay Town Board Approves Pickleball Tournament
The Oyster Bay Town Board announced plans for a pickleball tournament on May 17-18, 2025, featuring nine divisions and 18 awards, with entry fees set at $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents. The Board also increased funding for pickleball instructors from $42,200 to $47,856.25 to meet rising demand.
Supervisor Joseph Saladino emphasized the sport’s rapid growth and the Town’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities, including new courts and programs throughout the area.
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