PKLYN Opens Its Doors in Brooklyn: PKLYN, the latest pickleball facility from David Friedman, officially opens its doors in Gowanus, Brooklyn, on Sunday, October 6th. Located at 80 4th Street, between Hoyt and Bond Streets, this state-of-the-art venue aims to serve as a central hub for the New York City pickleball community and beyond. With a focus on welcoming players of all levels, PKLYN is designed meticulously to enhance the overall game experience and promote player improvement.
The facility is more than just a place to play; it is crafted to become a vibrant gathering space. Featuring multiple lounges and fully equipped event areas, PKLYN offers a curated selection of cocktails, beers, and bites from top sellers in New York, making it a hotspot for the local community.
David Friedman’s Vision
David Friedman, the Founder and Managing Partner of PKLYN, brings a rich and diverse professional background to the endeavor. A graduate of The University of Michigan, Friedman has experience in stadium development with the San Francisco 49ers, operations with the John N. Calley Foundation, and real estate law at the boutique New York firm Bergstein Flynn and Knowlton.
His entrepreneurial spirit, supported by his wife, Alex Kass—whose agency, AMP Digital Collaborative, conceptualized the PKLYN brand—has driven the project forward. Duy Tran, a seasoned pickleball coach and pillar of the New York pickleball community, steps into the role of Director of Pickleball Operations.
The inspiration for PKLYN arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Friedman’s long-standing interest in pickleball transformed into a daily pursuit as he connected with a small group of enthusiasts who gathered on the handball courts at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2. As their community rapidly expanded from a few dozen to thousands, Friedman recognized a growing need for a dedicated gathering space that could elevate the technical and social aspects of the sport.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
Spanning 18,000 square feet, the five-court facility, designed by Meyers+Associates, integrates the building’s industrial aesthetics with features focused on enhancing player experiences. The vibrant design, including floor-to-ceiling deep purple walls, maximizes visibility on the courts and creates a welcoming environment suitable for players ranging from beginners to experts.
The facility boasts a premium asphalt base for a consistent playing surface, complemented by carefully positioned light fixtures to ensure uniform, indirect lighting. With 20 skylights and acoustic panels for effective sound and daylight management, the 23-foot-high ceilings further enhance the space’s playability.
Spectators can enjoy a luxurious 270-degree view from the central mezzanine, which includes glass guardrails and plush seating, while a private event room and sunken social lounge round out PKLYN’s unique offerings.
Programming and Community Engagement
PKLYN aims to foster a strong community connection through a rotating schedule of programming, including leagues for all skill levels, round-robin tournaments, and open play nights. Special events such as mixers, themed play sessions, and seasonal activations will also be part of the calendar, promoting networking and social interaction among players.
For those seeking personalized experiences, PKLYN offers custom packages for private events and parties, with options for partial and full venue buyouts.
A primary focus of PKLYN is to provide structured training opportunities. Clinics and private lessons led by top-tier coaches will be available, ensuring players have the chance to refine their skills. Additionally, a monthly membership program includes benefits like early court booking access, discounts on rentals, food, beverages, and merchandise, as well as lesson credits and member happy hours.
Culinary Offerings and Accessibility
PKLYN’s food and beverage space can accommodate over 200 guests and features a full-service bar with a curated selection from local New York partners. Highlights include custom sandwiches and charcuterie platters from Alidoro and a selection of popular beers from Threes Brewing, such as the Gowanus Gold and seasonal lagers.
Specialty cocktails will include canned beverages from Social Hour, known for its award-winning Clover Club. For special events and buyouts, PKLYN has established relationships with culinary partners, including pizzas from Justin Smillie’s popular mobile wood-fired pizza pop-up, Slowfires, and Mediterranean options from Claudette’s.
The facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 8 AM to 8 PM. Court reservations are priced at $110 per hour for non-members and $99 per hour for members, with paddles and balls available for rent on-site. Reservations can be made online up to 14 days in advance, further enhancing accessibility for all pickleball players.
News in Brief: PKLYN Opens Its Doors in Brooklyn
PKLYN, a new pickleball facility, opens in Gowanus, Brooklyn, on October 6th, designed to serve as a community hub for players of all levels. Founded by David Friedman, the facility features five pickleball courts and a vibrant space for socializing, with food and drink offerings from local sellers.
The pickleball venue emphasizes player improvement through pickleball leagues, pickleball tournaments, and training opportunities led by experienced coaches. PKLYN aims to foster a strong pickleball community while providing exceptional amenities, including a full-service bar and customizable event options. The facility is open daily, with court reservations available online.
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