A Rockville Centre family has turned a longstanding goal of building a business together into reality with the opening of Pickleball Prime, a new indoor pickleball facility in Mineola that welcomed players last month.
Located at 205 E. Second St., in a former industrial building, the 10-court facility is owned by siblings Kevin Coghlan and Maggie Regan, along with their father, John Coghlan. While the business is based in Mineola, the family said its roots and inspiration are closely tied to Rockville Centre, where they live and have long been active in the community.
“My dad has been tossing around a family business for years,” Regan said.
That idea eventually evolved into Pickleball Prime, after earlier plans to launch a fitness franchise were derailed during the coronavirus pandemic. The family instead shifted its focus to pickleball, a sport that has surged in popularity nationwide in recent years.
Pickleball is known for its accessibility and quick-paced rallies, emphasizing strategy, ball placement and reflexes more than power. Unlike tennis, it features underhand serves, a simplified scoring system and a unique non-volley zone near the net known as the “kitchen,” which encourages controlled play. Its smaller court and easy-to-learn rules have made it popular among players of all ages and skill levels.
Months of research into the game, business models and potential locations ultimately led the Coghlans to the Mineola site, which they transformed into a dedicated indoor pickleball facility. Regan said the family was also encouraged by local interest as they explored opening the business, noting support from Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira, who expressed his desire to bring a family-oriented pickleball venue to the village.
“We wanted to stay close to Rockville Centre,” Regan said. “We just felt like staying close to home was a good fit for us, and that we could build off of that community in terms of building our customer base.”
Pickleball Prime, which opened on March 4, features 10 professional-grade courts with cushioned flooring, 26-foot ceilings and custom lighting. The facility also has two golf simulators and a mezzanine lounge overlooking the courts, giving members and guests space to relax and socialize between matches.
General manager Sam Anjo said that careful attention was given to the design and build-out of the facility, with particular focus on court quality, lighting and ceiling height. That investment, he said, has helped drive strong early interest from the community.
“We have about 1,500 members already signed up with our club," Anjo said. “Most nights are pretty much booked up.”
Pickleball Prime offers leagues, clinics, tournaments and open play sessions, encouraging beginners and experienced players alike to participate. The goal, Anjo said, is to create an environment in which players feel comfortable regardless of skill level.
“It’s the family, community-oriented vibe that we give here,” he said. “We want people to come down, enjoy, have a good time and feel very welcomed.”
The Coghlan family also emphasized building a business culture that reflects their values. They incorporated partnerships with local businesses, including Jeannine’s Gifts and Four Boys Photography, for merchandise and promotional work, further connecting the venture to the Rockville Centre community.
At its core, the family said, the business is about more than sports — it’s about wellness, connection and offering a space where people can decompress and engage socially. Regan said the facility was designed to help players relieve stress, stay active and enjoy time with friends and family.
“We recognize that everyone’s kind of carrying something around with them,” she said. “We’re hoping that people will find something that fits their general need when they come in here.”
The owners made staffing choices with an emphasis on approachability and service, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere.
For Regan, the launch of Pickleball Prime represents the culmination of years of planning, adaptability and persistence, as well as the opportunity to build something lasting alongside her family.
