A new indoor sports center called Rockaway Beach Pickleball & Golf opened on June 28 in Rockaway Beach, New York. The space has five indoor pickleball courts, two golf simulators, a full bar, and a private locker room. The facility aims to give local players a modern place to play and gather.
John Walsh, an FDNY firefighter, and his wife, Justine Moriarty, a retired federal agent, started the idea after getting tired of crowded pickleball games at the Rockaway YMCA.
“Her and I, we were just sick of going to the local Y,” John Walsh said. “They have pickleball every morning. It’s packed all the time. We said to each other, ‘This place needs a pickleball facility.’”
From Idea to Reality
The idea came to John Walsh and Justine Moriarty in December 2024. To get it going, John Walsh asked Michael Tellone, owner of Brooklyn Window & Door, for help.
“It was bigger than just the two of us,” John Walsh said. “And [then] I ran into Mike,” he added. “I’ve known Mike for 20 years, [and] the timing was perfect. He was like, ‘I’m in,’ right away.”
They soon brought in Dan Greaves, who runs an indoor pickleball center on Staten Island. Together, the team rented a large warehouse on Beach Channel Drive that used to belong to The Madelaine Chocolate Company. In less than five months, they turned the building into a top-notch pickleball and golf space.
Grand Opening and Daily Play
The grand opening drew many visitors who spent the day playing, eating, and socializing. Derek Saar, a former pro pickleball player, will offer lessons and camps for players.
“If people need an intro, we’ll be here,” Derek Saar said. “And then all week long, we’ve got open play all day, every day,” he added. “I just want people to come and enjoy the place and play.”
People can rent courts or simulators from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The facility will also hold kids clinics and open play times. Monthly memberships give free play between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
What’s Next
Rockaway Beach Pickleball & Golf has created a new spot for sports and fun in the community. With its many options and long hours, the center expects to attract players of all ages and skill levels.
News in Brief: Rockaway Beach Pickleball & Golf
Rockaway Beach Pickleball & Golf opened June 28 with five indoor courts, golf simulators, and a bar. Founders John Walsh and Justine Moriarty turned an old chocolate factory into a sports hub. The space offers lessons, rentals, and memberships for players every day.
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