BABYLON, NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 2022) — The Town of Babylon recently held a ribbon cutting to unveil new pickleball courts at Zahn’s Park in North Lindenhurst. Pickleball has experienced increased popularity among Long Islanders of all ages, and in response to many requests from residents looking for a place to play the sport, the Town revamped two aging tennis courts to consist of a tennis court and two pickleball courts, all with freshly painted lines, new nets and other improvements.
“As we are looking to improve our parks and overall quality of life here in the Town, we’re excited to unveil these brand new pickleball courts that provide an added amenity for our residents,” said Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “The improvements to Zahn’s Park will bring residents of all ages together for some friendly competition in an activity that is growing in popularity all around the country.”
Pickleball, often described as a combination of ping-pong and tennis, is an easy-to-learn form of exercise and recreation. The Town of Babylon opened its first pickleball courts at Tanner Park in 2019, and the new courts at Zahn’s Park are part of the Town’s goal to meet the rising demand for opportunities to play the sport. The improvements were funded by the Town of Babylon’s capital improvement projects, which repurposes facilities to best serve the needs of residents. In addition to the new courts, further options to engage in pickleball are being provided for the public.
“Our parks department is set to debut a new pickleball program for beginners starting September 20,” said Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor and Parks Chairman Tony Martinez. “The program is so popular that registration filled within one day, and we are looking to add more opportunities in the spring.”
The upcoming program will be taught by certified pickleball instructor Sandra Rovira, who provided demonstrations on the new court following the ribbon cutting.
The Town of Babylon looks forward to the public enjoying the new pickleball courts, with residents of all ages playing in the fast-growing sport together.
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From left, Town of Babylon Parks Commissioner Daniel McKeon, Town of Babylon Receiver of Taxes Jennifer Montiglio, Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilman DuWayne Gregory, pickleball coach Sandra Rovira, Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Councilman Anthony Manetta and Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre cut the ribbon to unveil the new pickleball courts