Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola invites residents to take part in a co-ed Summer Pickleball program, beginning July 5^th throughout the Town. Pickleball is available to individuals 18 years of age or older and runs for 10 weeks in Bethpage, Hicksville and Massapequa.

Councilman Labriola stated, “Pickleball continues to be a growing sport in our communities and this program will provide an even greater opportunity for fans to participate. Pickleball is a fun and social sport that provides a great healthy activity for the whole family.”

Online registration will begin on Monday, June 5th at 5:00 PM for residents and on Monday, June 12th at 5:00 PM for non-residents, all at www.oysterbaytown.com/parksportal. In-person registration is also available for residents-only on Wednesday, June 7 from 5pm – 9pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S Broadway in Hicksville. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity. Fees are $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents. Proof of residency requires individuals to upload a tax or utility bill and valid photo ID. Participants must provide their own racket.

The following five sessions are offered:

• Session 1 in Bethpage:  Begins Thursday, July 6th Tuesdays & Thursdays Lenox Avenue Park (Behind Bethpage Library) 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

• Session 2 in Massapequa:  Begins Wednesday, July 5th Wednesdays & Fridays Garrick Williams Park (Ritter Ave, Massapequa) 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

• Session 3 in Massapequa:  Begins Thursday, July 6th Tuesdays & Thursdays Garrick Williams Park (Ritter Ave, Massapequa) 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Session 4 in Bethpage:  Begins Wednesday, July 5th Mondays & Wednesdays Lenox Avenue Park (Behind Bethpage Library) 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Session 5 in Hicksville:  Begins Wednesday, July 5th Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Hicksville Athletic Center (167 S Broadway) 7:00 AM – 8:15 AM

Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages, played with a wooden paddle and lightweight plastic ball. The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong and can include two, three or four players. It shares similarities to other racquet sports. The dimensions and layout closely resemble a badminton court, which is considerably smaller than a tennis court and rules of the game are somewhat similar to tennis.

Due to its popularity, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board recently announced plans to construct new Pickleball Courts at John Burns Park in Massapequa, Field of Dreams and Anchor Park in Massapequa, Allen Park in Farmingdale, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, and Centre Island Beach in Bayville. Courts are anticipated to open to the public in September 2023.

For more information, or to inquire about special holiday scheduling, call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@oysterbay-ny.gov.

Credit: Town of Oyster Bay