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A new pickleball facility opens in Gowanus

GOWANUS — Pickleball facility and gathering space PKLYN opens on Oct. 6, on Fourth Street between Hoyt and Bond streets. The space aims to serve as a hub for the New York pickleball community, and welcomes players of all levels to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities. 

In the last few years, pickleball has taken the recreational sports world by storm, with even celebrities like Taylor Swift joining in the fun. PKLYN Founder and Managing Partner David Friedman noticed the rising need for dedicated spaces for enthusiasts of all skill levels to enjoy the sport, and the new five court, 18,000-square-foot facility was born. 

The space was designed by Ohio-based architecture firm Meyers and Associates to enhance the pickleball experience and promote player improvement. The team behind PKLYN described the space as “a hotspot for the local community, equipped with several lounges and shared spaces to enjoy a curated selection of cocktails, beers and bites from top New York purveyors.” 

Founder and Managing Partner David Friedman got the idea for PKLYN during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though a long-time player, he got most interested in pickleball when he found a community of players at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2 and played the game daily with a regular group. Friedman saw a need for more intentional spaces to engage with the sport as the local group grew from dozens of players to thousands.

PKLYN’s anticipated programming features leagues at all skill levels, round-robin style tournaments and open play nights. Special events like socializing and networking mixers, themed plays, community-building activations and seasonal events. PKLYN offers custom packages for private events and structured training opportunities. PKLYN has a monthly membership program which includes early court-booking access, food, beverage and merchandise discounts, lesson credits, member happy hours and private bathrooms and showers. 

PKLYN has a curated food and beverage space that fits up to 200 people and includes partnerships with Alidoro, Threes Brewing, Social Hour, Slowfires and Claudette’s. PKLYN anticipates partnering with other food and beverage vendors across the city after opening. 

Friedman has a diverse professional background. Friedman worked for the San Francisco 49ers in stadium development, ran operations for the John N. Calley Foundation and practiced real estate law before venturing into entrepreneurship with PKLYN. 

Friedman’s wife, Alex Kass, conceptualized PKLYN’s brand and runs its marketing through her agency, AMP Digital Collaborative. Director of Pickleball Operations Duy Tran is an experienced pickleball coach who rounds out the team.

PKLYN will be open Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Court reservations are $110 per hour with balls and paddles available for rent on-site. Online reservations can be made 14 days in advance.