ABOUT PKLYN
Not a court, a community
The PKLYN Story
We, like many of you, were searching for a dedicated place to play pickleball. After years of self-advocacy — transforming handball courts into pickleball courts at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2, and setting up temporary courts at various locations such as St. Vartan Park, McCarren Park, and Squibb Park — we recognized the need for a permanent, inviting space for Brooklyn’s growing pickleball community.
That’s what we’ve set out to create. A place that feels warm and open, with high ceilings and good column spacing for maximum court playability, soft asphalt surfaces and dark colored walls to optimize for playing comfort and visibility, a full bar and lounge to make it easy to socialize, and a dream team of pickleball professionals to support every player on their journey.
Our Team
David used to be a lawyer who played a lot of pickleball. Now, he’s the founder of PKLYN, which combines his passion for problem-solving with his love for pickleball and appreciation for the Brooklyn pickleball community.
Duy heads up pickleball operations at PKLYN. With several years of pickleball experience competing in tournaments, coaching and as a community leader, he brings a deep understanding of all things pickleball to the team.
Lane leads PKLYN’s events, bringing a diverse background that spans creative roles from cake decorator to marketing manager of Chelsea Market. They’re also a proud cat mom and dedicated boy band fan, whose songs they will be adding to the PKLYN playlists.
Sam is a pickleball addict and a lover of learning. He uses his eclectic experience as a professional musician, chess educator, and poker enthusiast to enrich his understanding of pickleball and elevate his capacity to communicate and educate.
Noah is a bartending veteran hailing from the West Coast. As a writer and artist, Noah finds great inspiration in connecting with his community from behind the bar or out on the courts. He’s excited to join the ever-growing NYC pickleball scene, and to learn and share with this incredible community.
Brooklyn-born and the team’s former collegiate athlete, Dante is a newly found pickleball fanatic who brings high energy wherever he goes. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, poker or enriching the community, Dante knows how to keep the vibes strong and the momentum going.
Adriane is a veteran postpartum birthworker, a mother of two, and a former retailer, whose passions for pickleball and connecting with people converge in her roles at PKLYN. A lifelong athlete from Southern California, Adriane is proud to call Brooklyn home for 20+ years.
Mike Forfia plays entirely too much pickleball, and draws on experience as a music educator, college advisor, and design-thinking-method instructor in his coaching. As a pickleball coach, Mike enjoys sparking curiosity and problem-solving skills among players.
Why Pigeons?
Pigeons stand for so much of what PKLYN is about – adaptability, community, a love of bread crumbs. They’re the patron bird of New York, and the beloved mascot of our club.
