How Pickleball Is Becoming The Destination
In an era where pickleball has transcended its casual backyard origins to become a global phenomenon, CityPickle emerges as a forerunner, redefining urban recreation. Founded in the summer of 2021 by Mary Cannon and Erica Desai, CityPickle quickly distinguished itself by inaugurating Long Island City’s first indoor pickleball club. Beyond its base in New York, CityPickle's reach extends down the East Coast, featuring seasonal pop-ups from Brooklyn to Philadelphia, signaling pickleball's burgeoning appeal across cosmopolitan locales. This evolution underscores a broader trend: pickleball’s integration into the fabric of world-class resorts and its burgeoning status as a staple in the travel and leisure industry.
Cannon and Desai's journey into the pickleball sphere was propelled by their shared background in tennis and a mutual discovery of pickleball's allure amid the pandemic's restrictions. Their venture, CityPickle, stands as a testament to pickleball's magnetic pull, offering an urban oasis for the sport amid the concrete jungle. The co-founders’ strategic installations at high-footfall locations like Wollman Rink in Central Park and Philadelphia City Hall exemplify their mission to democratize pickleball access. These activations not only fuel curiosity and participation among the uninitiated but also cement CityPickle’s role in spearheading pickleball's urban proliferation.
Looking ahead, pickleball's trajectory within the travel sector is poised for further ascent. As resorts increasingly retrofit tennis courts for pickleball to cater to a diverse demographic, the sport cements its position as a sought-after amenity among both leisure and business travelers. CityPickle’s blueprint for blending sport with social engagement encapsulates pickleball’s essence—fun, accessible, and a catalyst for community building. As CityPickle eyes expansion into iconic New York locations and beyond, its journey mirrors pickleball’s own—from niche pastime to mainstream marvel, marking a new chapter in urban leisure and travel.
