Physical activity of any kind that extends beyond the gym or a workout class is as rare as seeing wildlife beyond rats and pigeons in NYC. That means engaging in sports that typically require larger plots of land is not only a near impossible feat, but an absolute pain once you do discover courts — cue waiting your turn in a line that relies on an honors system that nobody has time for.
Yes, racquet sports are elite (no, I’m not biased), and this isn’t Miami. But, if you’re like me and thrive on a healthy dose of competition and the mental fulfillment that comes with playing an actual game versus lifting weights, you’ll find the answers to your prayers in this list I’m about to drop.
Keep in mind that it's short, and that's because the options to play are limited in NYC, especially when it comes to padel and *especially* if you're trying to avoid a wait.
Padel Haus
Website
Padel Haus is basically the only place to play padel in the city year-round, without needing to be a member. With three locations in Brooklyn (offering both indoor and outdoor courts), it's not exactly the most convenient for Manhattan dwellers. However, it's worth the trek for the elevated facilities and built-in community. Booking a court for match-play is easy and so is signing up for clinics.
Reserve Padel
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Playing padel at Reserve is a transcendent experience, like reaching black card status in the racquet sports hierarchy. Dabble in some high-net-worth shmoozing at this Hudson Yards sports club that boasts three outdoor glass-enclosed courts, a pro shop, showers, lockers and viewing lounge areas. Membership prices are steep and courts are closed in the off-season, but swing by Miami's stunning OG Seaplane location in the meantime and problem solved.
Wollman Rink (pickle)
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Thanks to CityPickle, New Yorkers can actually make a civilized reservation to play pickleball on one of the fourteen pickleball courts at Wollman Rink in Central Park. Courts fit anywhere from 4 to 8 people, available on a daily basis from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. It'll cost you roughly $10 per player, and you can even rent a paddle (how pedestrian!)
Chelsea Piers (pickle)
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Chelsea Piers is that good ole friend you can always rely on for their depth, and in this case, it's climate-controlled pickleball facilities among a wide range of unique athletic offerings. As a partner with ZogSports, you can get in on an adult pickleball league and some competitive fun, or you can drop in for open play.
Carl Schurz Park (pickle)
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Home to three outdoor courts, this Upper East Side park attracts a largely local crowd, and according to our research, may or may not be a source of controversy. This has something to do with the fact that pickleball gets a lot of heat for infringing on the territory of more established court types (kind of not wrong) and there being an issue of court hoggers. That being said, Carl Schurz is still a lesser-known pickleball hub, surrounded by lovely green space.
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