Pickleball Craze Continues In Bergen County

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Bergen County continues to get caught up in the pickleball craze.

Improved access to pickleball, tennis and basketball are part of the first round of a plan for upgrades to sport courts across the county. Bergen County Commissioners voted Wednesday to approve the start of the improvements project.

Pickleball — a fusion of tennis, ping pong and badminton — is often called America's fastest-growing sport.

Completed recreation areas at Wood Dale (Woodcliff Lake), Samuel Nelkin (Wallington) and Saddle River (Rochelle Park) County Parks will feature newly renovated pickleball and tennis courts. Samuel Nelkin and Saddle River will also each gain a new basketball court.

Other improvements include pavement resurfacing; improved or additional lighting; enhanced safety features, such as quality fencing around the courts; and new sidewalks, a county spokesperson said.

“Parks play a huge role in the overall experience our visitors and residents have here in Bergen County,” Commissioner Steve Tanelli said. “I am excited that these improvements will give increased opportunities for people to enjoy the beautiful outdoor recreation areas we have to offer.”

“Using the 2019 Parks Master Plan as our roadmap, my administration strives to maintain our positive momentum every year, pursuing and completing improvement projects, including the installation of these new sports courts for the benefit of our residents and visitors," Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said.

All three projects are expected to be completed before the end of the calendar year.