The Town of North Hempstead unveiled 14 new pickleball courts July 27 at Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park.
It was the second construction project for a town park this summer, joining the July 22 reopening of Fuschillo Park in Carle Place.
Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Members Robert Troiano, Peter Zuckerman Dennis Walsh held a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the first inaugural game on the courts.
The 14 courts are the most in a single location in Nassau County, DeSena said.
“The new pickleball courts at Tully Park are the culmination of a multi-year project, and along with the ongoing renovations to the track and field, as well as upcoming reconstruction of the parking lot that will begin in the fall, represent a major investment in the future of Tully Park,” DeSena said.
Pickleball, a two or four-player sport played on a court the same size for badminton, has exploded in popularity in recent years.
The sport’s participation has grown an average of 158.6% over the last three years according to the 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Single Sport Participation Report on Pickleball.
There are currently 36.5 million pickleball players in the country, according to January 2023 data from the Association of Pickleball Professionals.
North Hempstead’s investment in Tully Park is part of a larger renovation project projected to cost approximately $9 million, which includes work on a tennis court, dog park and parking lot.
The 14 lighted courts are open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with last assignments at 8 p.m. The courts are currently available for only North Hempstead residents at and require a town-issued ID card to play on.
ID cards are free and available at the Tully Park Aquatic Activities Center during the week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the weekend from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the town.
Five days before unveiling the new Tully Park courts, the town reopened Fuschillo Park after an extensive renovation project, the biggest in nearly 30 years, DeSena said.
Upgrades at the park include a new playground, splash park, outdoor fitness equipment and picnic area, among other things.
“Our goal throughout this process has been to transform Fuschillo Park into an exciting recreational destination for our residents – especially those in the Carle Place community,” said Troiano, whose district includes Fuschillo Park. “I am thrilled that residents are now able to experience the new Fuschillo Park.”
