NORWALK, Conn. — Whether you are a seasoned pickleball player or a newcomer to the fastest-growing sport in the United States, Norwalk Recreation and Parks has you covered, with numerous courts around the city, reservation options, and regularly scheduled open play by skill level.
“Usually, the main four locations we look at with our open play schedule are courts at Ludlow Park, Woodward Park, the senior center on Allen Road, and Rowayton Elementary School,” said Will Schwartzstein, athletic supervisor for Norwalk Rec and Parks.
(Please note: the Rowayton pickleball courts are closed Aug. 11-17 for maintenance, according to the city.)
“Those are our four main popular pickleball-playing places, and we have set times throughout the week, Monday through Sunday, that are separated by level and court and location—all by skill level,” so folks can play “with people who are in a similar skill level or bracket as you,” said Schwartzstein of open court play.
For example, open court time for beginners takes place at Ludlow Park, 99 Gregory Boulevard, on Mondays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on all four of its courts, according to the June-August open play schedule posted on the Rec and Parks pickleball page (Pickleball | Norwalk, CT – Official Website).
During open play times, all pickleball courts at each of the four main pickleball-playing places are closed for reservations.
“Outside of the open play scheduling, court reservations are available for residents—it’s $15 for a 90-minute rental; for nonresidents, it’s $25 for a 90-minute rental. And what that does is it secures the court space for you,” explained Schwartzstein.
However, he stressed, “walk-on play is totally fine—we don’t want people to feel they have to pay to play on the courts. Reservations are just if you want to secure a spot and know that you have the courts designated for your grouping for the time you reserve them for.”
Folks need to have an ActiveNet account to reserve a court; upon reservation, they will receive a permit via email stating their reserved date, time, and court location, according to the Rec and Parks pickleball page.
Norwalk Rec and Parks also has a pickleball TeamReach (group code: norwalkrp) where local players can connect.
“That one has a lot of chatter, as people are constantly talking on there about getting games going outside of our open play schedule and whatnot,” said Schwartzstein.
Residents can also RSVP for open court play on the pickleball TeamReach.
Looking at the big picture, Schwartzstein attributed pickleball’s surging popularity across the US to the fact that “anyone can play it.”
He added, “You’re on a smaller court than a tennis court, so it doesn’t require the physical prowess required by tennis … it’s kind of easier to play sideline to sideline. Usually, it’s doubles in pickleball, so you have another person on the court with you. And the fact you can be 5 years old or 90 years old, and as long as you’re mobile in some sense, you can pretty much get out there and play.”For more information, including the full open play schedule, visit Pickleball | Norwalk, CT – Official Website.
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