[title]
After a long winter of wistfully eyeing empty courts, pickleball is officially making its return to Central Park.
Starting April 21, the iconic Wollman Rink will once again swap skates for paddles as CityPickle rolls back in for its fourth season, turning the space into a sprawling, 14-court pickleball hub right in the heart of the park.
If you’ve walked by before, you already know the vibe: a steady hum of rallies, a mix of die-hard players and curious first-timers and the sight of one of New York’s most famous ice rinks turned into a sunny court complex. This year, the setup runs daily from 8 am to 9 pm through early fall, with programming that includes open play, clinics and private lessons for every level.
The courts can host hundreds of players each day and reservations open on a rolling basis one week in advance, meaning you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re hoping to snag a prime-time slot. One of the biggest draws remains the $5 community play sessions, which run for several hours each day and include complimentary paddle rentals, making it one of the more affordable ways to spend an afternoon in Central Park.
There’s also a noticeable push this season to get younger players involved. A new summer camp, running from late July through August, aims to pull kids off screens and onto the courts, with small-group coaching and half- and full-day options for families looking to fill empty summer weeks.
Off the court, food and drinks will once again be handled by Great Performances. If you’re feeling fancy, there are even courtside cabanas and a VIP lounge available to rent, meaning you can absolutely turn a casual game into a full-day social situation.
Whether you’re chasing your next obsession or just looking for a new excuse to linger in the park, pickleball season is back—and Central Park might just be the city’s most scenic place to get hooked.