Pickles NE, LLC, a new indoor, first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled pickleball-only complex, announced today the role of Lisa Klein DeMeritt as co-founder.

Having only been introduced to the sport of pickleball last summer, DeMeritt and co-founder Wanda Melampy met on the courts, discovering a love of the sport and sharing the same observation that there is a definite lack of indoor courts exclusively dedicated to the sport of pickleball in New England. The Pickles concept was born, and the 25,000-square-foot facility is expected to open this spring at 357 Columbia Road in Hanover, with six tournament-sized courts, two dinking kitchens, an upper mezzanine players’ lounge, and an indoor and outdoor refreshment garden. Four outdoor courts will also be added later in the spring.

DeMeritt brings to Pickles a strong marketing background and athletic experience. Earlier in her career, she worked as director of marketing for the corporate office of international surfing apparel brands Hang Ten and Lightning Bolt in San Diego, where she also gained brand licensing experience.

DeMeritt grew up in Duxbury, and graduated from Duxbury High School. From there she attended the University of New Hampshire, where she received a scholarship to run Division 1 track and cross-country. She graduated with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in marketing.

After moving back to her hometown in 2002, DeMeritt earned her real estate license and has been selling residential real estate in Duxbury and throughout the South Shore for more than 18 years. She is currently affiliated with Waterfront Realty Group in Duxbury.

DeMeritt and her husband Dustin DeMeritt have two children: Devin, a senior at Boston College; and Emily, a junior at UNH.

“I have always been active in sports and just started playing pickleball this past summer,” said DeMeritt. “Immediately I fell in love with the spirt of the game – family-friendly, and very collegial and supportive. Although I knew there were some outdoor courts scattered throughout greater Boston, and some converted indoor courts, it only made sense that we should create a pickleball-centered complex for everyone of all ages and abilities to enjoy!

“I am so grateful to have met Wanda and to have our shared vision for Pickles become a reality later this spring. We look forward to welcoming newcomers to the sport and giving current enthusiasts a great place to play!” DeMeritt added.

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.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum as a game the whole family could take part in. Year over year the sport has experienced growth as more people become familiar with pickleball; today, over 5 million people throughout the United States play pickleball, and it has grown 650% over the last five years, making it considered the fastest-growing sport in the world.