Pier 2 Pickleball Courts, Brooklyn Heights
Photo Credits: Nick Rogers, Jules Valencia, Paul Nguyen, Deborah Khan
UPDATE: The four dedicated courts have now been completed! While the court surface was not actually redone, in our opinion it looks worse than it plays, with odd bounces only occasionally. The courts are a little bit close to each other, so just be careful when chasing those angled shots, and get excited if you thread the needle for that ATP.
Currently, play is still first come first serve, with no recurring permits allowed. The BBP is carefully watching how this initial period plays out, and perhaps if the courts are fully utilized all the time, they will consider actually resurfacing them or creating more courts!
One important thing to note, BBP requests that no more nets are set up on the handball courts. Drilling against the wall is fine, but the pickleball courts were partially build so that the handball courts could be returned. Please be respectful of all who use the park.
Welcome to the most scenic pickleball courts in NYC, unofficial home of the “Brooklyn Pickleball” TeamReach group. This quickly expanding community of players in Brooklyn primarily plays at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Heights, on four covered and lit handball courts. You can also find players at Squibb Park and Dean St. Playground. They have made such an impact on the local community that the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation has officially announced the upcoming creation of at least 3, potentially 4 dedicated Pickleball courts!
Brooklyn Pier 2 group, with Karim 4th from the left. Photo credit: Nick Rogers
We asked one of the local group leaders, Karim Kerawala, to share some insights with us below. You can join the “Brooklyn Pickleball” group on the TeamReach app using code: 11201.
How did you start in pickleball, and what would you like to achieve in pickleball?
Karim: Two friends in CA decided to teach all their friends pickleball because they were booking a destination wedding that had pickleball courts. They wanted all their friends to know about the game before we attended. They taught my wife and I in April of 2021 and I have not put down the paddle since. I play 4-5 times a week and I would love to play at the amateur professional level at some point in my life.
What kind of paddle do you use and why?
Karim: I am currently trying out the Selkirk Labs 002 Invikta. I was using their Omni Vanguard model, but I have given up the ping pong grip for the more traditional continental grip. I love that Selkirk is trying to get some more community involvement in their paddle technology.
Tells us about your community of players.
Karim: I recently moved to Brooklyn from Seattle and quickly found the Brooklyn group that played at Squibb Park. The group was very friendly and inviting. Skill levels ranged from 2.0 - 4.0, but most games were a ton of fun and we often rotated to keep things even. Since moving here it does seem that there are now two distinct groups of players. The recreational/beginners, and the intermediate to advanced players really looking to level up their play. It seems like once you reach a certain point people will invite you out to more private playtimes.
Favorite neighborhood spots?
Karim: Love just strolling the pier and taking in the beautiful views. Playing at Squibb is also a ton of fun and the views are unreal.
One piece of advice to someone looking to join the community?
Karim: Just have fun and come to make friends, don't take the game too seriously.
Anything else you'd like people to know about you or the courts?
Karim: The courts we use are not dedicated for pickleball. We share them with handball players, tennis players, and people practicing various sports. We have to tape/chalk them ourselves so be sure to bring all the supplies needed to play.
