Brooklyn’s Pickleball Craze: Where to Play and Why You’ll Love It
Introduction
Move over, tennis – there’s a new racquet sport in town. Pickleball, a quirky hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has taken Brooklyn by storm. With its easy-to-learn rules and inclusive vibe, it’s no wonder Brooklynites are flocking to courts across the borough. Let’s dive into the best spots to play and why you might just fall head over heels for this addictive sport.
Pickleball Hotspots in Brooklyn
Outdoor Courts: Where the Action Is
Brooklyn’s outdoor pickleball scene is buzzing, with courts popping up in parks all over the borough.
Seaside Serves: Marine Park and Kaiser Park
- Marine Park: Fancy a game with a side of nature? Marine Park’s your spot.
- Kaiser Park, Coney Island: Combine your pickleball fix with a beach day. Win-win!
Neighborhood Gems: John J. Carty Park and Leif Ericson Park
- John J. Carty Park, Bay Ridge: A local favorite with courts that’ll make you want to play “just one more game.”
- Leif Ericson Park, Sunset Park: Peaceful surroundings for when you want to focus on your dink shot.
Pier 2: The Crown Jewel
- Brooklyn Heights: Four dedicated courts with a view that’ll distract you from your serve. Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge – it’s all there. Plus, it’s covered, so rain won’t rain on your pickleball parade.
DIY Delight: Squibb Park and Old Stone House
- Squibb Park: Three lined courts for the BYON (Bring Your Own Net) crowd.
- Old Stone House, Park Slope: One netted court, one BYON. Choose your own adventure!
Indoor Havens: For Year-Round Pickleballers
Court 16
- Downtown Brooklyn: This swanky tennis and pickleball club is where the cool kids play. Membership starts at $500, but hey, can you put a price on year-round pickleball?
PKLYN
- Gowanus: The new kid on the block, opening October 6. Get ready for indoor pickleball goodness all year long.
More Than Just a Game: The Pickleball Community
Finding Your Tribe
Pickleball isn’t just about the sport – it’s about the people. Just ask these Brooklyn pickleballers:
- Kat Hapke Preciado: Found her wife and her squad through pickleball. Now she runs queer player meet-ups every Thursday. Talk about a game-changer!
- Eric Pitagorsky: A tennis convert who’s all in on pickleball’s friendly vibes. He’s racked up more friends than points since he started playing at Old Stone House.
Everyone’s Invited
Unlike some sports that feel like an exclusive club, pickleball’s doors are wide open.
- It’s easier to pick up than tennis.
- The pace is more chill.
- You won’t need to break the bank to play.
- Got a portable net and some chalk? You’ve got yourself a pickleball court!
Even Brooklyn’s senior set is getting in on the action. Take Mark Russ Federman, who’s found a new lease on his athletic life thanks to pickleball.
Wrap-Up
From waterfront views to indoor clubs, Brooklyn’s pickleball scene has it all. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat, make new friends, or just try something new, pickleball’s got your name written all over it. So grab a paddle, head to a court, and see what all the fuss is about. Who knows? You might just become Brooklyn’s next pickleball sensation.
