PLACES
PKL
South Boston
What happens when a group of pickleball friends who love the game find a 22,000-square-foot empty warehouse in a city known for its long, cold winters? They build a year-round pickleball venue with five competition-level indoor courts, two bars serving craft beer and cocktails, a restaurant offering shared plates, and a lounge. At PKL, which opens in April, every court will have dedicated lounge seating where you can drink and eat while team members play.
There will also be four shuffleboard courts, cornhole, and other activities for more fun. Looking for more reasons to play? The owners plan to offer lessons and clinics, plus tournaments, leagues, and special events. PKL will be open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The courts, which can be reserved online at playpkl.com, will be $50 per hour for up to 12 people and $25 per half hour, though discounts will be offered for reservations made before 3pm on weekdays.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn is about to unveil three free, permanent outdoor courts in stunning Brooklyn Bridge Park. Scheduled to open by spring’s end, these beauties will replace two underused bocce courts on the park’s five-acre Pier 2, which juts into the East River and offers spectacular Manhattan views. Pickleball will be primarily first come, first served, with limited time slots for league and organized play. For more information, go to brooklynbridgepark.org
Paddles
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Memorial Day weekend will bring the opening of Paddles, a new pickleball and swim club housed in Chatham Park, a recently developed 7,068-acre live-work-play planned community about 40 minutes west of Raleigh.
Though Paddles will be a private club, you don’t need to live in Chatham Park or even Pittsboro to join—anyone can become a member. Those who do will have use of eight outdoor courts as well as a six-lane competition-style pool for cooling down after a strenuous match. And in between games, members can rest and replenish at the concession stand, cabanas, and covered courtside benches. As of press time, fees, membership structures, and hours were still being determined.
One thing the development office can share? The promise of open court times and eventual lessons offered for those who want to improve their playing skills. Stay up to date on the opening and other details at chathampark.com
