Central Park Pickleball Courts, UWS Manhattan
Central Park is iconic for many reasons - the live concerts, the architecture, the beautiful bodies of water - the list goes on. But one feature we can’t get enough of is the massive pickleball community that has formed at the North Meadow Handball Courts on W97th street. Players of all levels congregate almost every day around 3-5 nets, from sunup to sundown. They have even had volunteer teams shovel the courts during snowstorms so they can play the next day. That is both hardcore dedication, and pickleball addiction.
Nina, Bob, and Listra, all instrumental for making sure sessions are run smoothly from morning until night
The group is led by some true community builders, and we’ve asked Listra Balcon a few questions to get to know her and the community she serves. You can join the Central Park UWS group by using TeamReach code: West26
How did you start in pickleball, and what would you like to achieve in pickleball?
Listra: I was an avid tennis player destined to be on the opposite side of the net, challenging Serena Williams… or cheering her on from the bench. The latter happened! Three years ago, I was introduced to a game with a peculiar name, pickleball, which required an odd ball - NOT ME - but a wiffle ball! Suddenly, I was playing every day in Central Park North Meadow Rec Center. I even bought a paddle and net that same week! I have not picked up a tennis racket since. After I am IPTPA trained and certified, perhaps I will go on to coach beginners.
What kind of paddle do you use and why?
Listra: My superpowers come from using a Mirage paddle by Gamma. The 8 oz. weight adds confidence to my backhand and blocking monster-smashes from my opponents, yet the paddle is delicate enough for gentle dinks. I also love the cushion grip and striking face design.
Tell us about your community of players.
Listra: I am so enthralled by our mixture of players from various backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, professions, but mostly by their dedication. I often say, “Group huggy bear hug!” I believe the glue that holds the fabric of our community together is the emphasis on sportsmanship!
Favorite neighborhood spots?
Listra: Why Central Park, of course! Besides the natural beauty of the flora and fauna, there is so much that the Upper West Side has to offer. My favorite spots are the local restaurants because I am a foodie with a paddle.
What is one piece of advice to someone looking to join the community?
Listra: Ratings are not important, but rather sportsmanship is. Have fun, meet interesting decent people, relish the fresh outdoor air. Learning is not limited to the courts but continues through observation from the bench. At home, you can polish up your game by watching pickleball tutorials and tournaments.
Anything else you’d like people to know about you or the courts?
Listra: We are an embracing and dedicated group that plays pickleball on unregulated, cracked courts, with taped and chalked lines. Yet we play every day, joyously, for the love of the game. We play on five courts with lots of pickleball equipment but no storage box. But still, there is so much storage room in our hearts for pickleball and our community. Welcome to Upper West Side Pickleball in Central Park!
If you have a unique story to tell about your experience at the Central Park courts, please leave a comment and share!
