NYC Parks has unveiled a brand-new standalone pickleball court in Francis Lewis Park in Whitestone.
The $13.5k project was celebrated on Monday, July 15, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jackie Langsam and Council Member Vickie Paladino, who represents the district.
“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 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.”
The new pickleball court, located at 3rd Avenue between Parsons Boulevard. and 147th Street, transforms an underutilized corner of Francis Lewis Park into a shaded, full-sized court for Queens pickleball enthusiasts. This initiative provides a dedicated space for this rapidly growing sport.
“I’m proud to deliver a brand new pickleball court to the residents of Whitestone,” said Council Member 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.”
The unveiling of the new court follows the 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. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance park facilities throughout Queens, with recent upgrades including the conversion of a tennis court into two pickleball courts in Louis Pasteur Park, recoating three courts in Crocheron Park and adding a new coating to the basketball court in Frank Golden Park.
