PICKLES “PLAYLAB” REFLECTS SPORT’S POPULARITY

Pickleball is such a smash hit in New England that the sport, and club, with the funny name even has leagues. 

Pickles, PLAY LAB drew 75+ new players for its first sessions this week and have many more signed up for its next sessions. “It’s a great way for people to be active and social, with new people outside of their regular groups,” says Aiello, a 58-year-old former tennis player from Boston. “The concept helps give structure for those who are new to the game and want it to motivate them to play. It’s very similar to someone who only goes to a gym workout if there’s a class for them to attend.” 

The Pickles, PLAY LAB is just one indicator of pickleball’s popularity in New England and its rise as one of the fastest growing sports in America. “It’s a whole different game than tennis,” added Aiello. “There’s no way you won’t laugh.”

Indeed, the fun factor elevates pickleball’s popularity. So why is pickleball so fun?

It’s new to most people so the newness creates an even playing field from the start. Pickleball also features familiar elements of other sports, including tennis, table tennis, badminton, racquetball, volleyball and whiffle ball. The hard, plastic ball with holes — think whiffle ball — is quite whackable with the racquetball-like paddle, even for a first-timer. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised with teens and young adults signing up to play with their parents.” says Wanda Melampy, co-founder of Pickles. “Pickleball has also created space for tennis players to team up with their non-tennis spouses. It’s multigenerational, gender-neutral and well suited for non-jocks.” 

“Historically, people have always found that hitting an object back and forth, no matter what sport, was far more enjoyable if that exchange could be prolonged,” says Lisa DeMeritt, co-founder of Pickles. “Pickleball eliminated the (tennis) serve and many of the overheads, taking away the physical negative impact on the shoulder. It also provides a smaller space to cover so less footwork was needed, and senior players found it more enjoyable because this allowed the ball to stay in play. Due to that, it is easier to learn and get positive feedback.” 

“This broad appeal has many of the players starting their own leagues and competing against each other, similar to tennis. Another is private events, team building and companies adding free drop-in play time to employees as an integrated part of their benefits and workplace wellness programs.” Adding, “We hear a number of people say, pickleball will never replace their love for tennis. But the sport named for a pet dog certainly has become their beloved game of choice.”  

About Pickles NE, LLC

Pickles was founded by Lisa DeMeritt and Wanda Melampy, two women with a passion for the sport of pickleball.  After being introduced to the sport and observing its huge following, they identified a need for additional local outdoor courts and an even bigger demand for indoor courts exclusively for the sport of pickleball.  Pickles will include a recreational facility providing indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, food service from various food trucks, a café area, and a small retail shop carrying the latest pickleball gear.

 WE”RE OPEN! Pickles is located at 357 Columbia Road in Hanover, MA.