3 pickleball courts added at Westbury's Martin 'Bunky' Reid Park

Town of North Hempstead officials have unveiled three new pickleball courts at Martin "Bunky" Reid Park in Westbury, converting underutilized basketball courts into a new recreational space as part of the town's broader effort to modernize its parks.

Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said improving parks has been one of her administration's priorities. "I have focused on our parks because these are our jewels," she said.

The project, unveiled July 18, included resurfacing the courts and adding new nets and lighting. The courts are located at the rear of the park near an entrance and parking area.

The $42,000 project was funded through the town's capital improvement fund and is intended to address the growing demand for public pickleball courts. "Our goal now is to keep up with demand," said Umberto Mignardi, the Town of North Hempstead's communications director.

Mignardi said many residents have requested pickleball courts as the sport continues to gain popularity. While private facilities offer places to play, he said the town wants to provide affordable public options.

The new courts also help fill a gap in the southern portion of the town. While 14 pickleball courts are located at Michael J. Tully Park and two are at Clinton G. Martin Park, officials said they wanted to expand access to neighborhoods farther south.

The town also plans to add courts at Clinton G. Martin, John D. Caemmerer, Manorhaven Beach and Donald Street parks.

"The parks are where everybody comes together from all parts of the town. So they needed work," DeSena said.

She said pickleball's appeal attracts people from all ages because the game is played on a smaller court and is more accessible than tennis.

"Pickleball has just become incredibly popular, from kids right up through senior citizens," DeSena said. "It's a wonderful investment of taxpayer dollars to build more pickleball courts."

The park itself carries special meaning for the community. Martin "Bunky" Reid was a longtime local basketball coach who died of cancer in 1993. The park was renamed after him several years later.

Reid's mother, Julia Reid, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pickleball courts and helped cut the ceremonial ribbon.

"He was a dad to a lot of kids in the neighborhood, and he taught a lot of them how to play basketball," Mignardi said of the late coach. "The park is very sentimental to a lot of people."