Lower East Side Courts for Basketball and Handball

Henry M. Jackson Playground is built for motion, with basketball and handball courts giving the Lower East Side a place to settle into a game. The setting feels open and lived in, with locals also rolling through on skates, skateboards, or a dominoes break between rounds. Two paddle ball courts pull in competitive games, while the paved spaces keep the layout straightforward for pickup play. The mural-backed court gives the whole place a neighborhood backdrop, especially beside the brick walls. It is a public park with free entry, open daily from 7am to 6pm at 1 Jackson Street. The park is free and open to anyone who wants a court, which is why regulars treat it like a home base. Younger children may find the space less tailored to them, so the draw is active recreation rather than a soft play stop. Bring a ball, leave room for the regulars, and expect a court that works best when you are ready to join the rhythm.