It looks like the Pickleball craze has hit New York City as well. I saw another Pickleball court at Hudson Yards, but it wasn’t nearly as interesting visually. It looked too clean and corporate. This one, located in an inner-city park, has a much grittier urban appearance, complete with a chain-link fence.

Back when I grew up in New York, we played paddleball or handball on these courts. When I was picking up tennis, I would use the wall to practice. Times have changed, and the sports have changed with it.

While I’m not currently playing tennis actively, I prefer it to Pickleball. I find immense satisfaction in hitting a strong shot with some topspin in tennis, and having it land just within the baseline. While Pickleball is more accessible to a larger audience, the high-pitched popping sound of the ball is not nearly as satisfying as a solid tennis hit. Though, perhaps, as I get older, I might change my mind.

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