Today, the Roosevelt Island YMCA and its partners announced their plans to develop a pickleball-specific facility at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. The project includes the construction of two courts and a sheltered viewing area which will be home to an outdoor patio restaurant. Construction on this community space is expected to begin in 2020, with completion slated for 2023.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and we are proud to announce the plans to build a facility that will be unique not just on Roosevelt Island but throughout New York City,” said YMCA Executive Director Akeem Jamal. “We are so grateful to our partners at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, NYC Parks, and The Related Companies for helping us bring this project to fruition. With the continued support from our partners and our members throughout the city and surrounding boroughs, we are confident this effort will become a reality.” Akeem Jamal was quoted in the release.

Shelton Haynes, founder of Pickleball NYC and an inductee into the National Pickleball Hall of Fame, is also excited about his sport’s move to Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. “I am overjoyed that Pickleball is coming to Roosevelt Island,” said Shelton Haynes. “The City has been a great partner as we looked for locations. Our partnership has been successful because of the hard work of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation and NYC Parks, their leadership in greenspaces, and their collaborative spirit. I am excited to play a role in helping this great community build a new facility that will be enjoyed by so many.”

On May 12, 2017, Shelton Haynes announced plans for Pickleball NYC to sponsor two new U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. The announcement was made at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) headquarters in New York City and attended by such dignitaries as Arthur Ashe Jr., Billie Jean King, and the U.S. Open tournament director, David Brewer. The new U.S. Open events will be held at the USTA’s National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the site of the first eight U.S. Opens played in New York City and, more recently, home of this year’s U.