The paddle lines have been drawn, and Lower Manhattan is suddenly awash in options to play racquet sports. Tennis, squash, and pickleball courts have sprung up in indoor and outdoor settings, and a slew of local programs has opened in the past year, with lessons available for all ages at a broad range of price points. Most outdoor courts are available free, on a first-come/first-served basis.
“Seeing the interest in racquet sports spike here in Lower Manhattan, where my family and I reside in FiDi, has been so exciting,” said Anthony Evrard, founder and CEO of Court 16. Court 16 has three outposts in the city, with the newest, at 28 Liberty Street, providing Downtown’s only indoor tennis courts. “The area is so vibrant with activity, and that energy is overflowing onto the courts,” he adds. “Tennis and pickleball are becoming integral parts of the cultural landscape, and that is evident at Court 16. We expanded our FiDi club after being open less than a year, to accommodate the rapid surge in interest, which we’ve seen from existing members and adults who are new to the game. Since we offer robust kids’ programming, we have also seen a rise in family interest. Witnessing this growing passion for racquet sports is incredibly fulfilling, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more players into our thriving community.”
Corporations and nonprofits alike are getting in on the racquet racket. Free pickleball courts just opened on North Cove Plaza for two weeks, courtesy of Brookfield Place. Pickleball programming has begun at Gotham Park, Lower Manhattan’s newest public space, under the Brooklyn Bridge. And the Battery Park City Authority now lowers the net at the volleyball court at Esplanade Plaza every Thursday for pickleball play.
Meanwhile, Open Squash debuted six months ago at 100 Pearl Street. Dedicated to making the game of squash accessible to a broad audience, this nonprofit’s motto is “Squash Is For Everyone.”
“We’re thrilled to be part of the ever-growing racquet sports scene in Lower Manhattan,” said Open Squash’s vice president of operations Seth Frankle. “With our two prime locations near Bryant Park and in the Financial District, we’re committed to the mission of making squash accessible for all. We do this by offering income-based discounts and scholarships to those who may not otherwise have access to the sport. As we gear up for squash to make its debut in the 2028 Olympics, we can’t wait to welcome all the new squash players and fans that are now able to have a safe, fun, and community-oriented center to play at.”
Outdoor Courts
•Esplanade Plaza (south side of North Cove) – pickleball on Thursdays 9am to 3pm. FREE.
•Gotham Park – pickleball. FREE.
•Hudson River Park (near Pier 40) – tennis, 6am to 1am. FREE.
•North Cove Plaza – pop-up pickleball court, 11am to 7pm, through June 23. FREE. Coming up: Brookfield Place Tennis Open pop-up court and events, August 20-29.
•Washington Market Park – tennis, 7am to 12pm. Permit required.
Indoor Courts
•Asphalt Green, 212 North End Avenue – tennis lessons for adults and children.
•Court 16, 28 Liberty Street – tennis and pickleball for adults and children. Lessons and tennis camp are available.
•Open Squash, 100 Pearl Street – squash courts, lessons, and adult clinics. For kids, Junior Academy and squash camp.
•Squash Rx, 160 Broadway – squash courts and classes for kids and adults. No membership needed.
Outdoor Lessons
•Super Duper Tennis, tennis lessons for children at West Thames Park.