Pickleball Returns to Central Park’s Wollman Rink for a Third Season

Pickleball has officially returned to Central Park for its third straight season, as Wollman Rink transforms once again into one of New York’s most picturesque—and priciest—places to play. Fourteen courts now fill the iconic rink, welcoming players daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The season kicked off with $5 community play and an opening ceremony Thursday afternoon, drawing crowds eager to rally under the Manhattan skyline. With 130,000 visits to the courts in just two years, this isn’t just a recreational fad—it’s a Central Park summer staple.

Booking a spot, though, is very much a New York experience. Expect to pay $120 an hour during peak hours, or $80 off-peak. While $5 community slots exist, they’re already snapped up for the coming week. CityPickle, which manages the courts, offers everything from $20 clinics to full-blown summer camps and private events. League play and coaching are also available, perfect for those wanting to sharpen their game in one of the country’s most high-profile pickleball settings.

Wollman Rink’s location near 62nd Street and Fifth Avenue makes it subway-friendly, and its transformation into a pickleball destination speaks volumes about the sport’s staying power. What once was an ice rink for winter skaters is now a summer sanctuary for paddle-swingers—and in true NYC fashion, there’s a waiting list and a price tag to match. Still, for the dedicated and the curious alike, this is the season’s hottest court in the city that never sleeps.