If you’re a pickleball enthusiast looking for the best places to play in NYC, this guide has got you covered. With so many options available, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth experience. Our guide lists some of the top pickleball courts in the city, taking into consideration factors such as skill level, court availability, and net height. Don’t waste your time playing on tennis nets – check out our recommendations for the ultimate pickleball experience in NYC.
Indoor Pickleball Courts In NYC
Happy Warrior Playground
This is spot is perfect for local families that are wanting to play pickleball, but have younger kids that they need to entertain at the same time. Happy Warrior Playground is located at West 98th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and includes a playground with 3 courts on asphalt. However, these are basketball courts by default, so you will need to bring your own portable pickleball net.
These are open play courts, so you can use them whenever you like, but if you are looking for people to play with, you can join a slack group that organizes games from time to time. The channel name is #games_happy-warrior-playground.
The playground is right next to a school built in honor of Alfred Emanuel Smith, who was an American politician that served as the four-term Governor of New York. He was nicknamed “The Happy Warrior” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
De Witt Clinton Park
This is a beautiful park that has a lot going on! There are plenty of benches and pretty scenery in this part of Manhatten. You know you are in the right place when you see the Mercedes Benz dealership right next to the soccer field.
DeWitt Clinton Park, Hell’s Kitchen is a park located in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The park is named after former New York governor DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828). The park spans 30 acres along the Hudson River between West 57th and West 59th Streets.
There are two courts on asphalt and one other court that is taped, but you will need to bring your own portable pickleball net. There is no pickleball organization or group that sets up games, so come as you please and bring some buddies to play against. The park was created in 1896 as part of the city’s plans to develop the waterfront along the Hudson River. The original plan for the park called for a landscaped promenade along the riverfront, but this was never realized. Instead, the park was developed as a recreational space with playgrounds, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and baseball fields.
In recent years, the park has undergone significant renovations and now includes a dog run, an amphitheater, and a water play area for children with other natural amenities. Hell’s Kitchen is one of Manhattan’s most diverse neighborhoods, and DeWitt Clinton Park is reflective of that diversity. The park is used by residents of all ages and backgrounds for recreation, relaxation, and socialization. It is truly a community space that brings people together and makes Hell’s Kitchen a great place to live.
Carl Schurz Park, Yorkville
Carl Schurz Park is a public park located in Yorkville, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The park is named after German-American Carl Schurz, who served as United States Secretary of the Interior under President Rutherford B. Hayes. The park spans 14.9 acres along the East River from 84th Street to 90th Street and offers panoramic views of Roosevelt Island, the Queensboro Bridge, and New Jersey across the river. The park contains playgrounds, two dog runs 8 ( one for big dogs and the other for small dogs ), a basketball court, pickleball courts, an amphitheater, and a picnic area by the waterfront.
There is no registration needed, you can play anytime you want, but you will have to bring your own net, unless you go between the hours of 9:30 am-8 pm because “the pickleball doctor” provides nets for everyone. You can reach out to him via TeamReach code CSPPB to find out about recent changes.
A waterfront esplanade runs along the length of the park. The original design for Carl Schurz Park was created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1878 as part of their winning plan for constructing New York’s Central Park. However, due to budget constraints at the time, only a small portion of their original vision was realized. In 1934, Robert Moses oversaw an expansion and renovation of the park that more closely aligned it with Olmsted and Vaux’s vision. Carl Schurz Park is one of four parks that make up “Moses’ Masterpiece”, a group of parks designed by Robert Moses that also includes Riverside Park (to the north), Morningside Park (to the south), and Stuyvesant Square Park (to the east).
St. Catherine’s Park, Upper East Side
Situated on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, St. Catherine’s Park is a sprawling 26-acre oasis for New Yorkers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Located from 67th Street to 68th Street. The park, which opened in 2022, was designed by acclaimed landscape architecture firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and boasts a host of features that make it one of the most unique and dynamic parks in the city.
The park includes Basketball Courts, Handball Courts, Pickleball Courts, Soccer Fields, Playgrounds, Fitness Equipment, Running Tracks, Spray Showers, Bathrooms, and even a dog run where your four-legged friend can let off some steam. You will not need to bring your own net, and you can play whenever, but the NYC Parks Department manages the courts on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 10 AM – 1 PM.
One of the most notable features of St. Catherine’s Park is its innovative use of space. Rather than traditional straight paths, the park’s layout includes a series of winding paths that encourage exploration and discovery. The park also has a number of hidden nooks and crannies tucked away behind bushes that add to its sense of whimsy and charm. In addition to its playful design, St. Catherine’s Park is also home to a number of amenities that make it a truly enjoyable place to spend time. The park also has an impressive array of plantings, including more than 100 trees that provide much-needed shade on hot summer days. Whether you’re looking for a place to take a leisurely stroll or an energetic game of tennis, St. Catherine’s Park is sure to have something for everyone. So next time you’re looking for a break from the grind, be sure to head on over to this one-of-a-kind oasis on the Upper East Side!
William F. Passannante Ballfield, West Village
William F. Passannante Ballfield is a public park in New York City’s West Village neighborhood, located on the corner of West Houston St and Avenue Of The Americas. The ballfield is named for former New York City Councilman William F. Passannante, who was instrumental in its creation.
There are basketball courts where you will find the 6 taped courts for pickleball, but you will need to bring your own net. The park is well-used by the community and is a cherished oasis in the hustle and bustle of city life. This is an open play area, but there are permitted other sport leagues that are going on during the summertime in the evenings. Use this link to find out if you are in the clear. If you want to find out more information, you can talk to the organizers on slack with the name #games_houston.
The ballfield opened in May 2006, after several years of community campaigning and funding from the city government, but was just updated in March of 2022. It is one of the few remaining open spaces in the densely-populated West Village and provides much-needed green space for local residents and visitors alike. The ballfield features two baseball diamonds which are used by little league teams as well as adult softball leagues.
St. Vartan Handball Courts, Murray Hill
St. Vartan Handball Courts in Murray Hill are some of the best in the city. Located at E 36 St and 2 Ave. They’re always clean and well-maintained, and there’s plenty of space to play.
The area has 4 handball courts that are painted. However, you will need to bring your own net.
This is a 3.0+ Open Play pickleball community that runs from 9 am to sundown. If you want to join their group and looking for people to play with, you can go to their slack group called #st-vartan-park
Indoor Pickleball Courts In NYC
Most of the Indoor Pickleball Courts you will find are repurposed basketball courts with taped lines and a portable net provided. Many of them have sessions you can sign up for or you can go during open play hours. You will need to check the linked schedules for updated and more information.
Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center
This is one of the most popular recreation centers in New York City located on 80 Catherine Street. It is located in downtown Manhattan, just a few blocks from Times Square. The center offers a wide variety of recreational activities for all ages, including an indoor swimming pool, basketball courts, pickleball courts, weight room, a media lab, multipurpose room, swimming, a dance studio, and more.
The recreation center is operated by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and is open to the public seven days a week. Admission to the center is free for all residents of New York City with a valid ID card. Non-residents can also enjoy use of the facility for a small fee per day or per month. There are several activities going on so you will need to check their availability here.
The Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center was built in 1976 and is named after former New York Governor Alfred E. Smith. The center was designed by famed architect I.M. Pei and has become a landmark in the cityscape of downtown Manhattan. Over the years, the center has undergone several renovations and additions, most recently in 2010 when a new roof was added to the building. Whether you’re a resident or visitor of New York City, the Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center is the perfect place to enjoy some recreation and relaxation.
Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center
This center is located on 232 West 60th Street and is one of the most beloved recreation centers in New York City. It is located in the heart of Manhattan on the Upper West Side, and it is named after the first woman to swim across the English Channel. The center offers a wide variety of recreational activities for all ages, and it is also home to a number of community organizations. The recreation center was founded in 1966, and it has been serving the community ever since. It offers a wide range of amenities, including a swimming pool, basketball courts ( pickleball courts ), a weight room, an indoor track, and much more!
There are also several program rooms where community organizations can hold meetings and events. The center is open to the public seven days a week, and it is staffed by certified lifeguards. Swimming is one of the most popular activities at the recreation center, and there are lessons available for all levels. The swimming pool is heated, and it features lane lines so that swimmers can stay in their own lanes. There are also diving boards for those who want to take their swimming to the next level. Basketball is another popular activity at the center, and there are two full-sized courts that are available for use. The weight room is fully equipped with both free weights and machines, so that people of all fitness levels can get a workout.
You will need to check the activity schedule to make sure the courts are open for pickleball and make sure that you coordinate with the center.
The Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center is more than just a place to exercise – it’s also a gathering place for the community. A number of local organizations use the facility for meetings and events, including youth groups, senior citizen groups, cultural organizations, and more. The staff at the center strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone who comes through its doors. If you’re looking for a fun place to get active or just want to enjoy some time with your friends or family, then be sure to check out what the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center has to offer!
Jackie Robinson Recreation Center
Located at 85 Bradhurst Avenue, Jackie Robinson Recreation Center is a community recreation named after Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball. The recreation center offers a variety of amenities and programs for the community, including a basketball court ( pickleball courts ), an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room, a gymnasium, and more. Make sure to check availability and more info about the pickleball community that plays on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The recreation center also offers after-school programming and summer camp for children. The Jackie Robinson Recreation Center has been serving the community for over 50 years. It is one of the most popular recreation centers in New York City, and it is used by people of all ages and backgrounds. The recreation center is a safe haven for kids to play sports, meet new friends, and explore their creativity. It is also a place where adults can stay fit and active, socialize with their neighbors, or just relax and unwind.
The Jackie Robinson Recreation Center is an important part of the fabric of the community. It provides a space for people to come together and enjoy themselves while also staying healthy and active. The center is a place where people of all backgrounds can come together and learn from each other.
Highbridge Recreation Center
Located on 2301 Amsterdam Avenue, Highbridge Recreation Center is a public recreational facility located in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. The center is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Open play pickleball is available from 10 am-12 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays. To check recent updates, click here for the full schedule.
The recreation center opened to the public in the 1900s. It was built as part of a larger project that included the construction of Highbridge Park, which surrounds the recreation center. The park and recreation center was designed by Robert Moses, who was responsible for many parks and other public works projects in New York City during the first half of the twentieth century. The Highbridge Recreation Center building is two stories tall and covers an area of approximately 22,000 square feet.
The ground floor contains a gymnasium with a stage at one end, a locker room, a weight room, and a multipurpose room that can be used for dances or other events. The second floor contains classrooms, offices, and a kitchen. There is also an outdoor swimming pool adjacent to the building. The Highbridge Recreation Center serves as a gathering place for members of the community and offers programs and activities for all ages. Some of the programs offered at the center include basketball leagues, dance classes, after-school homework help, senior citizen socials, arts and crafts classes, cooking classes, computer classes, and more.
Pickleball NYC
Though Pickleball NYC is special, you don’t have to travel to Manhattan to play pickleball. There are many places to play pickleball in the surrounding boroughs, and even on Long Island.
