Handball Courts

Handball has been played on New York City courts for over a century. Handball Courts at Thomas Jefferson Park keeps the tradition alive where East 114th Street meets Pleasant Avenue in East Harlem. The park itself sits between the river and the elevated tracks, an open stretch of pavement that still feels like the neighborhood’s backyard. Games here run year-round, weather permitting, and the courts see everything from casual pickup matches to more serious league play.

There’s no fee to reserve a court, but you’ll want to arrive early on weekends when the sun is out. Directions and exact layout can be found on the map, which also shows the nearest subway stops. If you need to reach someone about court conditions or scheduling, call none listed—though most regulars just show up and rotate in. The address, for reference, is Thomas Jefferson Park East 114th St. & Pleasant Ave New York, NY 10029.