Dink Den Pickleball Venues in Staten Island: For Staten Island’s pickleball enthusiasts tired of struggling for space on sparse outdoor courts, relief has arrived, Two new indoor pickleball venues are set to debut this summer, with one already operational and another opening next month.
Danny Greaves, the visionary behind The Dink Den, identified a demand for indoor pickleball facilities on Staten Island. Greaves pointed out. He saw bringing an indoor venue to Staten Island as a logical progression
“My whole family plays [pickleball], and we noticed a lot of people traveling, scheduling their games in New Jersey, So, I knew Staten Island needed an indoor facility.” -(Danny Greaves)
The concept behind The Dink Den includes multiple courts, a lounge, and dedicated practice areas, complemented by ping-pong tables and shuffleboard space.
“A lot of people say that pickleball is still in its infancy, but I think it’s expanding fast,There’s younger generations getting into it now, and high schools and grade schools are starting to make teams too. I’m excited about bringing this type of facility to Staten Island.”Greaves said. The first Dink Den opened on June 15 at 10 Nassau Place in Tottenville, nearby to Athletic Edge, co-owned by Greaves’ wife, MaryJo. A second location, co-owned with Michael and Lisa Mattarazzo, will launch on August 1 at 1781 South Ave. in Travis, formerly the UFC gym.
“They each will be different in their own right, Nassau will be more of a private rental; you can reserve a court online and play any time, 24 hours a day. South Avenue will be a little more of a social setting, there will be a bar and lounge where players can just enjoy a night out.”-(greaves)
Greaves believes these new venues will provide a welcome alternative to the overcrowded outdoor courts in the borough, where pickleball enthusiasts frequently endure waits of 40 minutes or more to start a game.
“Fairview [Park] in Charleston is always so crowded, you can wait an hour or more just to play, at Dink Den you’ll be able to reserve the court in advance and never have to worry about waiting.” Greaves noted.
Looking ahead, Greaves plans to host tournaments at both locations and is exploring expansion into other paddle sports. “The market for these sports on Staten Island is growing,” he affirmed. “I think there is a growing market for these sports here on Staten Island, I’m excited to bring something new and different to the community.”