Pickleball is a hit on the North Shore
New courts opened at Tappen Beach
The Town of Oyster Bay recently unveiled new pickleball courts at Harry Tappen Beach, a project that has generated excitement among local residents and pickleball enthusiasts. The initiative, driven by popular demand, aims to provide a recreational space for families and individuals to enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Situated at the southern edge of Tappen Beach, near the boundary with Glenwood Landing, the new courts are part of an ongoing effort by the town to enhance community facilities. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing in a statement that the town hoped to further encourage residents’ ability to play the game in their own backyard.
“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,” the supervisor wrote. “Due to this popular demand, I’m proud to announce that the Town of Oyster Bay constructed new pickleball courts for all residents to enjoy.”
Sea Cliff Mayor Elena Villafane commended the Town of Oyster Bay for addressing the recreational needs of residents. Although the village did not directly participate in the construction of the courts, she said that many residents had already begun playing regularly.
“What I think is great is that the town has done something that our residents really were looking forward to,” Villafane said. “Pickleball has become such a craze that I know residents in our village who play pickleball are really enjoying that facility being open.”
Shane Dommin, Director of the Sea Cliff Building Department, played a significant role in advocating for the new courts. He said that he got into the sport three years ago, and as a private citizen of the town had been reaching out to town officials for the last year encouraging them to build a court at Tappen.
“It’s a fun sport, keeps everybody in shape, and it’s also a very social game,” Dommin shared. “I thought right next to the hockey rink was an underutilized space over there, and if you look at the map, I believe it’s technically in Sea Cliff. Having these pickleball courts is really nice for families.”
Local pickleball players have eagerly taken to the new courts, though feedback has been mixed. Claudia Ames of Sea Cliff, a regular player, highlighted the benefits of the facility.
“We started playing at the local indoor courts, and then when this place was finally built, we started coming down here,” Ames said. “It’s nice, especially in the evening or early morning when it’s not as hot. It’s been nice to have it local.”
Dommin emphasized the communal aspect of the sport, noting that the new courts provide an accessible and enjoyable way for families and friends to gather, socialize, and stay active. Ames also spoke about the sense of community that pickleball fosters.
“We try to play a few times a week. We have a group chain going, and whoever can make it comes,” she said. “It’s a really nice community thing. It brings everybody together.”
However, not all feedback has been positive. Roseanne Lipera of Glen Head, another local player, expressed concerns about the quality of the courts.
“We are a little disappointed. They spent a lot of money in developing this, but they didn’t do it right. The courts are not even,” Lipera explained. “While it’s nice because they designated pickleball courts, not put on top of tennis courts, they spent a lot of money, and they just didn’t do it quite right. And then they had the garbage disposal right here, so oftentimes there’s a lot of piles of trash. The smell is disappointing, but we still play.”
Despite this, Lipera said she is still happy to have a local court to play at, rather than having to travel to Glen Cove or other locations. Town officials have acknowledged the immense popularity of pickleball and the necessity of providing adequate facilities.
“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,” wrote Town Clerk Richard LaMarca in a statement. “So, grab your sneakers and paddle, and get ready to play one of the world’s fastest-growing sports at the new courts in Sea Cliff this summer.”
