Press Releases

NYC PARKS OPENS NEW PICKLEBALL COURT IN FRANCIS LEWIS PARK

The $13.5k project brings a brand-new standalone pickleball court to Whitestone neighborhood

On Monday, July 15th, NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jackie Langsam joined Council Member Vickie Paladino to celebrate the completion of a new, standalone pickleball court in Francis Lewis Park, transforming an under-utilized corner of the park into a shaded, full-sized court for Queens pickleball enthusiasts.

"Francis Lewis Park serves as a vital greenspace and outdoor activity hub for residents in Whitestone, and the addition of a new pickleball court adds even more important amenities to the park," said NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam. "As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, we want to ensure that there are dedicated spaces for this exciting and easy-to-learn sport. This new court will keep Queens parkgoers healthy and active while providing a space for the community to enjoy for many years to come.”

“I’m proud to deliver a brand new pickleball court to the residents of Whitestone,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino. “Now that the sports coating has been added, the court is ready to go. I look forward to seeing this court packed every weekend, and the continuation of this initiative in other Parks across District 19. Thank you to Parks for your assistance and support on this project!”

The work continues NYC Parks’ goal of upgrading and converting courts to serve their communities best, with similar efforts coming to fruition in Louis Pasteur Park, which had a tennis court converted into two pickleball courts, Crocheron Park which had three courts recoated, and Frank Golden Park, which had a new coating put on its basketball court. The introduction of this court comes on the heels of a recent $1 million reconstruction of the plaza in Francis Lewis Park, which included a new granite flagpole base, colored pavers, new benches, game tables, and plantings.