Pickleball Is Booming In Harlem

A new sport confused with Tennis is booming in Harlem. Many people need clarification on the nature of pickleball.

Is it tennis? Is it squash? Is it Badminton?

Simply, it is called pickleball and it’s unique.

Pickleball is a group sport played on a tennis-like court using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. There are two ways of playing the game. The first is with two players (singles), and the second is with four players (doubles). So whether you are a team player or a competitive person, pickleball is calling for you.

Due to its simplicity, it is becoming the fastest-growing game in the US, with 11.5% average growth per year over the last five years. This means one thing, pickleball is booming in the US, and Harlem is no exception.

Read on to learn more about pickleball in Harlem.

How pickleball has benefited Harlem

With more than 4.8 million players in the US, pickleball is the new go-to activity for anyone seeking a bit of physical activity and lots of fun. This tendency to like the game is also growing in Harlem, NYC. 

According to Pickleheads, there are 19 pickleball courts in New York. The growing number of courts means that the game is changing the dynamics of leisure activities in the city. In Harlem alone, there are many courts to play pickleball, creating more opportunities for sport lovers to explore something new.

Places to play pickleball in Harlem

A. Popular public courts

1. East River Playground – If you are looking for a fun and spacious court, the East River Playground is your go-to place. Its pickleball court offers a pickleball haven to game lovers in the neighborhood. The park offers many other amenities, such as basketball courts, playgrounds, and showers.
2. Howard Bennett Playground – This is Harlem’s most famous public park for pickleball players. It has six permanent pickleball courts and holds the name of Howard Bennett Playground. Next to these, visitors can enjoy basketball and handball courts and spray showers to freshen up in the summer.

B. Popular private courts

1. Hansborough Recreation Center – This is one of the most well-known locations in Harlem. To participate, one needs to have an NYC Parks Recreation Center membership. The recreation center offers the possibility to play pickleball inside its gymnasium.
2. Jackie Robinson Recreation Center – This is among Harlem’s most famous parks. Initially built in 1936 to offer a safe space for children to play, it now provides many high-quality pickleball courts. The park has many other amenities, such as baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.

Now, it is your turn

After reading this, aren’t you interested in pickleball?

If you are a resident of Harlem, this is an open call for you to go to the nearest park and try this fantastic park called pickleball. 

Do not worry. It is going to be Legen … Wait for it … Dary.