Local Group Aims to Install First NYC Public Squash Court in East River Park Next Summer
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There are apparently more than two thousand outdoor handball courts dotting the Five Boroughs, yet zero accommodations for squash players. One local organization hopes to change that in the coming months.
The nascent Public Squash Foundation – forged earlier this year – is at the forefront of that plan, and aims to make the game more accessible to the public. Plans are already underway to construct a flagship court on the Lower East Side. Site chosen for the inaugural placement is the “under-utilized” park space forty feet north of the tennis courts in East River Park.
The East River location is the first public squash court in what is likely a larger program. Setup is currently slated for summer 2016. As for what to expect from the structure itself, the intent is a semi-permanent facility that is easily maintained. “It will be open air with an eye catching minimalistic, transparent design,” Public Squash spokesperson (and pro) Christopher Gordon tells us. But don’t worry about the trees, as court dimensions won’t hurt the planting.
“The idea is to have the court up during the spring, summer, and fall, and then deconstruct it in the winter and put in storage. We are probably going for this roofless concept because it’s easier to maintain and is a more striking structure that can be taken down quickly if needed.”
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Photo: Public Squash Foundation
The above is a rendering of the open-air facility being proposed. We’re told it’s a glass court “finished with a formula” that’s kinda like a one-way window. Pedestrians can see in, but players on the court can’t see out, allowing the players an unfettered view of the ball.
Completion date is currently targeted for summer 2016.
As you might expect, though, Public Squash needs a hand to get going. The group kickstarted a crowdfunding campaign in August to help cover some $100,000 in overhead costs. All donations collected go toward the courts.
We are told that the Parks Department has already given the green light for the Public Squash Foundation to proceed. Although, we’ve yet to see the proposal listed on any recent Community Board 3 agendas.
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