The Pickleball Weekly profiles CityPickle co-founders Mary Cannon and Erica Desai, exploring how they've built a pickleball and hospitality business around one central idea: bringing more opportunities to play, connect and gather to cities where space is at a premium.
Founded in 2021, CityPickle set out to make pickleball more accessible in New York City. What began with temporary activations has grown into a portfolio of permanent clubs and seasonal destinations, combining courts, hospitality, community programming and private events.
In the October 2026 feature, Mary and Erica reflect on some of the milestones along the way, including transforming Wollman Rink in Central Park into 14 pickleball courts, opening CityPickle's Times Square flagship and hosting the Major League Pickleball Finals.
The conversation also looks ahead to CityPickle's next chapter.
In spring 2027, CityPickle plans to open an 11-court destination near the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO. Meanwhile, Boca Paddle by CityPickle, a new 25-court pickleball and padel club in Boca Raton, Florida, will bring the brand's approach to play, hospitality and community to a new market.
Throughout the interview, Mary and Erica discuss what makes CityPickle more than a place to play. From beginner clinics and kids' programming to corporate events, food and beverage, and social spaces, the goal is to create destinations people want to return to, whether they're picking up a paddle or simply spending time together.
Read the full interview in The Pickleball Weekly for more on CityPickle's growth, the challenges of expanding in urban markets and what's next for the brand.
Read the Full Interview here.