Sammy Musovic and other regular pickleball players at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side say what they have going on there is something special.

“All of a sudden I’m a regular here, I’m part of the community,” said Musovic, an Upper East Side resident and owner of Sojourn Social.

What You Need To Know

  • Managing space has become a challenging issue  for communities balancing the needs of pickleball players and regular park goers

  • Since 2020, Carl Schurz park has become a go-to spot for this burgeoning community sporting trend, though some neighbors have argued the playing areas should be for children

  • In February, Community Board 8 voted in favor of the parks department proposal to resurface the court and move pickleball nets to the south end of the space to accommodate children
  • ven with new Manhattan options, some players at Carl Schulz say the free, first come first serve community atmosphere is preferred

The park is a go-to spot for this burgeoning community sporting trend that’s sweeping many neighborhoods in the city.

“You keep learning, I’m getting better and better and able to compete with everyone and just a community, just being part of what’s going on here,” said Musovic.

Pickleball nets, paddles, and balls are provided for free daily by one dedicated community member who didn’t want to speak on camera with NY1 but is well regarded by those who play there. The space, located on a multipurpose court, has been somewhat controversial with some neighbors saying pickleball takes away playing areas from children, creating a bit of a turf war. Regulars disagree.  

“Before pickleball started this was one of the most underutilized parks in the city. Literally, I have pictures. There was no one here whatsoever. Now there’s been some challenges and they say what about the kids, but I think if we all share the space it’s amazing,” said Musovic.

Back in February, Manhattan Parks Commissioner Anthony Perez addressed concerns by proposing resurfacing the court and moving the pickleball nets to the south end of the space to accommodate children. Community Board 8 then voted to codify this proposal.

“It’s great. They have courts here and I’m really looking forward to Wollman Rink,” said Bruce K, resident of the Upper East Side.

As the sport grows in popularity with more newcomers taking to the game, finding dedicated and official spaces to play has been an issue. A new Manhattan option like Wollman Rink will offer 14 courts this spring, with court booking starting at $80. It has some residents saying they might give it a try.

“I would pay if the price was low enough for the convenience because other places you have to pay you have to wait too long to play,” said Charlie Panoff.

“The money wouldn’t be an issue, it’s not that convenient. I’m an Upper East Side guy, it’s nice to know they’re there," said Drew Niesser.

For some regulars at Carl Schurz, the free, first come first serve system with the added community benefit makes Schurz the best option.

"You don’t have to make a reservation, you can play with whomever is here,” said Linda Perry, an Upper East Side resident who started the sport last September. "It’s a community within itself and it has brought kids together, older people together, retirees.”

Because of the sport’s popularity, the need for more suitable outdoor spaces continue. The city parks department say they’re looking at additional areas they can convert into pickleball courts to meet demands.