Hell’s Kitchen Opens Upscale Pickleball Club: A new members-only pickleball club in Hell’s Kitchen is setting a new standard for the sport in the neighborhood. This exclusive club promises an elevated pickleball experience, combining luxury and sport in a way that’s rarely seen. Hell’s Kitchen has witnessed a surge in pickleball enthusiasm, with local parks experiencing high demand for court space.
A Unique Blend of Sports and Social Spaces
The sport, a hybrid of ping pong and tennis, is played on a 44 x 22-foot court using a light, plastic wiffle ball. Stephen Richter, co-founder of the Hell’s Kitchen Pickleball Club, highlights the sport’s accessibility and competitive edge.
“It’s a more accessible sport for people that want to just get out there, be a little more athletic, have a little more competitive edge. Whether they’re really good at it or not, they’re still able to give it a go and feel like they can be a part of something.” – (Richter)
Richter, who played baseball in college, co-founded the club with Rich Maczuga last year after taking up pickleball himself.
Spectacular Venue with Exclusive Amenities
Situated on the seventh floor of the Glasshouse Building (12th Ave bw W48/49th St), the club offers panoramic views over Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown, and the Hudson River. The facility includes seven indoor pickleball courts and an outdoor court on a rooftop terrace.
“I don’t think there’s anything really like it in terms of this space when it comes to pickleball.” – (Richter)
The club features a pickleball TV station, a lounge area with beer, wine, and cider, and two Trackman iO golf simulators. Members can also utilize quiet rooms for co-working, and locker rooms with showers, changing areas, and complimentary toiletries.
Building a Community through Pickleball
Richter envisions the club as more than just a pickleball venue.
“It’s more than just pickleball for us. It’s more like an athletic social club that focuses on pickleball.” – (Richter)
The club will host member-only events and themed nights throughout the year. Membership is available on a yearlong basis, with monthly payment options. The club can accommodate 300-400 members, with a maximum of 32 players on the courts at any time.
“I can’t wait until we have 50 people here and they’re all interacting with each other and building a community.” – (Richter)
News in Brief: Hell’s Kitchen Opens Upscale Pickleball Club
Hell’s Kitchen welcomes a new members-only pickleball club on the seventh floor of the Glasshouse Building. The facility features seven indoor courts, a rooftop outdoor court, and luxurious amenities, including a lounge, golf simulators, and quiet rooms. The club opens its doors to founding members this month, with a grand opening scheduled for October 7.
Memberships are available annually with monthly payment options. The club aims to foster a community-centered athletic environment, offering exclusive events and themed nights. Nearby, the NYC Parks Department lists pickleball courts, with four located in Hudson River Park at W34th Street.
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