Can Courts Hibernate? Ours Do!

All winter long, our 14 courts at Wollman Rink snooze beneath the ice, waiting for the sun to call them back. Now, just like spring flowers, they’ve bloomed back to life! Who’s ready to play?

CityPickle at Wollman Rink is the only pickleball venue in the world to hibernate under an ice rink, a feat that has never been done before. Could it actually work? Here’s how we pulled off this winter miracle.

The Process: From Pickleball Courts to Ice Rink (and Back Again!)

Laying the Groundwork

In the spring of last year, we began preparing our courts for their unique seasonal transformation. Instead of traditional acrylic paint, we used an epoxy membrane—commonly used in parking garages—to ensure the surface could endure freezing temperatures. Sourced from Canada, this resilient material gave us confidence that our courts would withstand the harsh winter elements.

Environmental responsibility was a key consideration. Regular paint could flake and pollute the nearby Central Park Pond or harm wildlife. Given that Wollman Rink’s ice occasionally overflows into the reservoir, we needed a durable, eco-friendly solution.

Creating the Perfect Playing Surface

Before painting, we patched and resurfaced the concrete, addressing any cracks from the previous skating season. We then used a shot-blasting process to remove irregularities, ensuring a prepped and even surface. Because Wollman Rink has a unique shape—unlike the standard circular or oval skating rinks—we had to meticulously measure and layout the courts, maximizing space while maintaining comfortable playing room.

We used chalk to outline the 14 courts before beginning the painting process. Each court required up to four coats of paint, with cast silica added between layers for texture. Once the vibrant court colors were set, we carefully painted on the crisp white boundary lines.

Preparing for Ice Season

As the pickleball season wound down, we began winter prep. A white mesh was laid over the entire rink, serving two key purposes: protecting the courts from the harsh winter elements and ensuring the ice appeared bright white for skaters. Without this mesh, the courts would have remained visible beneath the ice!

Next, the Wollman Rink team initiated the icing process, carefully layering the ice until the rink was fully operational for skating season. And with that, our CityPickle courts went into their winter slumber.

The Spring Awakening

When spring returns, the transformation begins again. As temperatures rise, the rink’s cooling system is shut off, allowing the ice to melt gradually over a few weeks. The process must be slow to avoid damaging the underlying concrete, and in turn, our courts. 

A Zamboni removes the top layer of ice, and as the bonds between ice slabs weaken, the rink team steps in to chip away at the remaining layers by hand. Once all the ice has melted or been removed, they peel back the protective white mesh to reveal the courts beneath. But are they still intact?

The Final Touches

Once uncovered, the courts are assessed for any cracks or damage. Our team patches and resurfaces areas as needed, then power washes the entire rink—a process that takes two to three days. After final touch-ups, we set up our nets, cabanas, barriers, and pro shop. And just like that, our courts are awake and ready for action!

Game On!

CityPickle at Wollman Rink officially reopens on April 4th! Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned pro, it’s time to grab a paddle and experience the magic of pickleball in the heart of Central Park.

Book your private events and summer camps now. Court reservations open Friday, March 28. See you on the courts!