PICKLES IS PROVING THAT PICKLEBALL IS MORE THAN A SPORT , IT ’ S A WAY OF LIFE .
In less than 5 months of being opened , Pickles has evolved from a simple idea to a way of life for anyone who walks through their front doors . Their evolution continues to develop as co-founders Lisa DeMeritt and Wanda Melampy write the next chapter of their story .
For those who don ’ t know , Pickles is an indoor , first-of-its-kind , state-of-theart , 100 % climate controlled , pickleballonly complex located in Hanover , Massachusetts . Much in the original spirit of the creation of pickleball , their vision was to create a bright , clean , safe , family-friendly experience that served as a gathering place for pickleball enthusiasts from 4 to 94 who love to play , as well as for those brand new to the sport .
In the beginning , DeMeritt and Melampy could only boast their passion and drive as they themselves were playing pickleball constantly . Completely hooked on the sport , they spent as much time on the courts as they could and discovered the sport ’ s impact on others . Although New England had a number of converted pickleball courts with temporary nets and some outdoor recreational areas to play , DeMeritt and Melampy had a gut feeling that something significant was missing , even if no one else was on board yet .
Chief Operating Officer of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg quoted , “ If you ’ re offered a seat on a rocket ship , don ’ t ask which seat , just get on .”
Well , that ’ s what these two strongwilled entrepreneurs did . It took a realization to put all of the pieces together , along with hard work , determination , passion and a simple belief in purpose beyond profit . Pickleball was not fun for them just because it was great exercise and provided a healthy dose of competition . It was the togetherness of it all , the time
that they spent on the courts , laughing , kindling new friendships with each shot , and creating memories of a lifetime . “ We just had a feeling that other people would love it as much as we did – if they just had the chance to play ,” Melampy said .
“ The reception we ’ ve received is beyond belief ,” DeMeritt said . Almost two-thirds of Pickles ’ already 1,800 registered members had never held a pickleball paddle before . That ’ s over 1,200 people who succeeded in the opportunity to try something totally new . “ It ’ s tremendously rewarding to watch people of all ages , shapes , backgrounds and abilities connect , elevate themselves , enrich the lives of others and find a sense of belonging ,” DeMeritt added .
Capturing that lightning in a bottle , Pickles has quickly expanded their Performance Coaching , Leagues , Clinics , Tournaments , 4D Player Rating Program and Brand Offerings .
Everything has happened so quickly , but Pickles ’ vision remains steadfast : To grow the sport of pickleball one player at a time . “ What we wanted to build were userfriendly , beautifully designed , and easyto-use pickleball-only courts where people could play the amazing sport of pickleball . What we never expected was for people to tell us that Pickles ‘ changed their life ,’ or gave them a ‘ sense of purpose ,’” Melampy said . “ Pickleball matters , and it is important to all of us . We ’ re just glad we can play a small part in that ,” DeMeritt added .
Pickles . Where Pickleball Fanatics Gather to Dink & Drink ! For more information , visit picklesne . com , give them a call at 781.816.5021 or dropin to say hello — you ’ ll be glad you did .