Best Pickleball Facilities in New York City (2025 Guide)

New York City has fully embraced the pickleball craze, with a wave of state-of-the-art facilities popping up across the boroughs in recent years. Whether you’re a local enthusiast or a visitor looking to get your pickleball fix, the Big Apple now offers an impressive array of options to suit every player’s needs and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top pickleball destinations in NYC, breaking down what makes each facility unique and helping you find the perfect spot to play.

Understanding the NYC Pickleball Scene

Before we dive into the specific facilities, it’s important to understand the context of pickleball’s explosive growth in New York City. Once relegated to a few public parks and makeshift courts, pickleball has now become a major player in the city’s recreational landscape. This transformation reflects a broader national trend, but NYC’s unique urban environment has led to some innovative approaches to creating pickleball spaces.

The city’s pickleball boom has been driven by a diverse mix of players, from young professionals looking for a fun after-work activity to retirees seeking a low-impact sport. This broad appeal has encouraged the development of facilities that cater to various skill levels and playing styles, from casual drop-in sessions to competitive leagues and tournaments.

Moreover, many of these new facilities are more than just places to play pickleball. They’ve become social hubs, offering amenities like lounges, bars, and workspaces. This reflects a growing trend of blending sports with lifestyle experiences, particularly appealing to the city’s young, active population.

Hell’s Kitchen Pickleball Club

Hell’s Kitchen Pickleball Club stands out as a premium option for dedicated pickleball enthusiasts in Manhattan. This private athletic social club on the west side offers a comprehensive pickleball experience that goes beyond just court time.

Facilities and Amenities

The club boasts an impressive array of pickleball-specific features:

Seven indoor courts, ensuring ample playing space regardless of weather conditions
A brand-new outdoor court for those who prefer open-air play
An Erne ball machine for solo practice and skill development
Two TrackMan golf simulators, offering members a chance to diversify their sporting activities

Beyond the courts, the club provides a full-service experience with:

Ample workspace for members who want to combine work and play
A full kitchen and bar, perfect for post-game refreshments or social gatherings
Exclusive social events, fostering a sense of community among members

Membership and Costs

Hell’s Kitchen Pickleball Club operates on a membership model:

Individual membership: $4,800 annually
Couple membership: $7,200 annually

While the price point is significant, it’s important to consider the value offered, especially for frequent players. Membership includes unlimited open play and court reservations, which can quickly justify the cost for dedicated pickleball enthusiasts.

Playing Options

The club caters to various playing preferences:

Open play sessions where solo members are matched with others of similar skill levels
Private court bookings for members who prefer to play with their own group
Guest privileges, allowing members to introduce friends to the club

This flexibility ensures that members can always find a suitable playing option, whether they’re looking for competitive matches or casual games with friends.

CityPickle

CityPickle has established itself as a pioneer in New York City’s pickleball scene, offering a mix of permanent and pop-up locations across the city. This approach has allowed them to bring pickleball to various neighborhoods and adapt to the changing needs of the community.

Locations and Courts

CityPickle’s presence spans several key areas of the city:

Long Island City: The first indoor pickleball club in the area
Wollman Rink in Central Park: A seasonal setup that has hosted Major League Pickleball events
Hudson Yards: Bringing pickleball to this newly developed area of Manhattan
Union Square: A central location easily accessible to many New Yorkers
Atlantic Terminal: Serving the Brooklyn community
Brooklyn Bridge Park: An upcoming location with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline

Playing Options and Costs

CityPickle offers a variety of ways to play, catering to different preferences and skill levels:

Group clinics: Instructional sessions for those looking to improve their skills
Open play: Casual sessions where players can drop in and be matched with others
Cardio pickle: High-intensity sessions combining pickleball with fitness
Private court reservations: For those who prefer to play with their own group

Pricing varies by location and time:

Long Island City: $50 per hour off-peak, $100 per hour during peak hours
Wollman Rink: $80 per hour off-peak, $120 during peak times
Clinics and open play sessions: $40 for a 60-minute instructor-led session

Membership Options

While not required to play, CityPickle offers membership options that provide various benefits:

Long Island City membership: $500 initiation fee and $99 per month
Perks include monthly breakfast, complimentary evaluation sessions, and ball machine access
Other membership tiers offer discounts on programs, court bookings, merchandise, and food and beverages

Community Play at Wollman Rink

A standout feature of CityPickle is their Community Play option at Wollman Rink:

Just $5 for a one-hour session
Eight players per court, making it a social and affordable option
One of the most budget-friendly ways to play pickleball in the city

Life Time

Life Time has made a significant impact on the New York City pickleball scene, leveraging its reputation as a national fitness brand to create top-notch pickleball facilities. With two locations in Manhattan, Life Time offers a comprehensive fitness experience that includes high-quality pickleball courts.

Locations and Courts

Life Time’s pickleball offerings in NYC are spread across two facilities:

Sky in Hell’s Kitchen: Features two pickleball courts
Penn One: Located next to Madison Square Garden, boasting seven pickleball courts

Membership and Costs

To access Life Time’s pickleball facilities, you’ll need to become a member:

Premier Membership: $379 per month
This membership provides access to over 600 indoor and outdoor courts across North America
Members receive guest passes, allowing them to bring friends occasionally

While the membership cost may seem high, it’s important to consider that Life Time offers much more than just pickleball. The membership includes access to all of Life Time’s facilities and amenities.

Playing Options

Life Time caters to various playing preferences:

Skill-leveled open play: Included with membership, allowing players to compete with others at their level
Private court bookings: $50 per hour at Sky and $60 per hour at Penn One

Additional Amenities

What sets Life Time apart is its comprehensive fitness offering. In addition to pickleball, members enjoy access to:

Full gym facilities with state-of-the-art equipment
A wide range of fitness classes
Swimming pools
Spa services

This makes Life Time an attractive option for those looking to combine their pickleball passion with a broader fitness routine.

Gotham Pickleball

Gotham Pickleball, located in Long Island City, offers a focused pickleball experience with high-quality courts and innovative technology. This facility caters to players looking for a dedicated pickleball environment with professional-grade amenities.

Courts and Facilities

Gotham Pickleball features:

Four courts with professional Laykold Cushion Plus surfaces
PodPlay technology on every court, allowing players to submit match results directly to DUPR and create highlight video reels

Playing Options and Costs

Gotham offers flexible playing options to suit different preferences:

Private court rentals: $80 per hour off-peak, $110 per hour during peak times
Open play sessions: Players can sign up solo and be matched based on their DUPR rating
Clinics: $60 for a one-hour session, limited to six participants for personalized attention

Pricing varies based on time and type of play:

Mid-week, mid-day open play: $20
Peak-time open play: $40

Technology Integration

A standout feature of Gotham Pickleball is its use of PodPlay technology:

Players can submit match results directly to DUPR from the court
Option to create and send yourself a highlight video reel
Touchscreen displays on each court for easy access to these features

This technology integration enhances the playing experience and allows players to track their progress and relive their best moments on the court.

PKLYN

PKLYN offers a unique blend of high-quality pickleball facilities and a vibrant community atmosphere. Located in Brooklyn, this spacious warehouse-turned-pickleball-club provides an inviting environment for players of all levels.

Facilities and Atmosphere

PKLYN’s standout features include:

Five indoor courts housed in a light-filled warehouse with 23-foot-high ceilings
A lounge area with a fully stocked bar, featuring local brews on tap, canned cocktails, and coffee

Playing Options and Costs

PKLYN offers a variety of ways to play:

Open play sessions: $40, with players matched based on skill level
Social play: $25, a more casual option for those looking to mix and mingle
Classes: Starting at $40
PKLYN Academy: A six-week course series for $380
Private court rentals: $110 per hour for non-members
Leagues: Starting at $380 for six weeks

Membership Options

While membership isn’t required to play at PKLYN, it does offer several benefits:

Cost: $110 per month with a $50 initiation fee
Benefits include discounted pricing, early court booking access, and other perks

Community Focus

PKLYN stands out for its emphasis on creating a welcoming community space. The combination of high-quality courts and a social atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for both serious players and those looking to enjoy the social aspects of pickleball.

Goodland Pickleball

Goodland Pickleball, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, offers a comprehensive pickleball experience in a spacious, modern facility. This venue caters to players of all levels, providing a range of amenities and playing options.

Facilities and Courts

Goodland Pickleball’s impressive facilities include:

Four interconnected, pro-grade indoor courts
Soaring 40-foot ceilings, creating an open and airy playing environment
A members-only lounge for relaxation and socializing

Membership Options and Costs

Goodland offers several membership tiers to suit different needs:

Standard membership: $219/month
Discounted option: $159/month
Pro membership: $299/month

While membership isn’t required to play, members enjoy benefits such as:

Discounted court rentals
Free open play sessions
Access to the members-only lounge

Playing Options

Goodland caters to various playing preferences:

Open play: Free for members, $30 for non-members
Private court rentals: $80 per hour, with members receiving a 40% discount
Clinics, leagues, and events for skill development and competitive play

Players are welcome to join solo or with friends, making it easy to get involved regardless of your social circle.

Red Hook Pickleball Club

Red Hook Pickleball Club is the newest addition to New York City’s pickleball scene, offering a fresh and exciting venue for players in the Red Hook area of Brooklyn. This facility combines high-quality courts with a range of playing options to suit all levels of players.