New pickleball courts coming to town parks

New pickleball courts are coming soon to parks throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. Due to popular demand, the town is constructing new pickleball courts at six different parks in various communities, including Centre Island Beach in Bayville. Courts are anticipated to open to the public in September 2023.

“Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s become incredibly popular in our Town, with seniors and families playing daily at our existing courts in Massapequa and Bethpage,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Due to this popular demand, I’m proud to announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is building new Pickleball courts for all residents to enjoy.”

Pickleball is played with a wooden paddle and lightweight plastic ball and can include two, three, or four players. The dimensions and layout closely resemble a badminton court, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court.

The rules of the game are somewhat like tennis. Two teams of two or individual players face off against each other on the court, taking turns serving against each other and attempting to keep the ball from bouncing twice on their side of the court.

Points are scored only by the serving team, and the first team to reach 11 points wins the game. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and is played by more than 35 million people throughout the country.

Originally invented by three people on vacation on Bainbridge Island near Seattle in 1965, the game is easy to learn, fun to play and due to the small size of the court is not too physically taxing, making it very popular amongst seniors.

“Pickleball is a very fun, social and healthy activity for the whole family and these new courts will be a welcome addition to the community,” added Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Steve Labriola.

“So, grab your sneakers and paddle, and get ready to play one of the world’s fastest growing sports at a new court near you!”