A new indoor pickleball facility is now open in Yorktown Heights as Sportime Pickleball introduces players to the fast‑growing sport.

“We have a pickleball and we have a paddle and basically that is all you need to get started,” coordinator Nancy Navarro said.

General manager Marni Rose said the sport has surged in popularity. “Pickleball is a sport. It started in 1965, but over the last five or six years has really exploded,” she said. “It's a really easy game to pick up quickly.”

Staff say the facility includes 12 indoor pro‑cushion courts that are individually fenced. They say the only way to score is to serve, and it uses a bounce serve with simple equipment available on-site. “We can provide everything else that you need. Paddles, balls,” staff said.

Members say the courts attract strong competition. “We got some good guys out here on the court today, so it's fun,” member Anthony Varella said.

The center offers a 90‑minute Intro to Pickleball course along with clinics and lessons for all ages. “I like to try and have fun and I think everybody at any age can do this,” member Patty Otis said.

Staff say the sport keeps people returning. They describe it as great for cardio, reflexes and social interaction that brings together players from many backgrounds.