Pickles NE, LLC a new indoor, first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled pickleball-only complex, announced today the role of Lee Kennedy as Advisory Board Member.

Kennedy is president and CEO of the Lee Kennedy Co., Inc., a full-service construction firm providing feasibility analysis, pre-construction and construction management, and general contracting services. He first learned of the Pickles concept when Co-Founders Lisa DeMeritt and Wanda Melampy approached him about leasing vacant space next to Planet Fitness on Route 53 in Hanover, which his company owns. In addition to thinking Pickles would be a complementary co-tenant with Planet Fitness, he was intrigued by the facts behind the concept: the popularity of pickleball in other parts of the country and the growing popularity of the sport in the Northeast, combined with the reality that there is nothing like this in New England.

Additionally, Kennedy has known DeMeritt since childhood (they both grew up in and are current residents of Duxbury), which brings a great deal of inherent trust to the investment relationship. The fact that his company owns the property offers great synergy with the business as well.

Kennedy sees his affiliation with Pickles also complementing his community involvement, which includes serving as a director for the Claddagh Fund, as a trustee for College Bound, Inc. and Neighborhood House Charter School (emeritus), and as chair of the board of trustees for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester. “Given that the sport doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment, we could bring pickleball to the urban environment pretty easily,” Kennedy said.

The 25,000-square-foot premier pickleball facility in New England is expected to open next month at 357 Columbia Road in Hanover, with six climate-controlled, indoor tournament-sized courts, two indoor dinking practice courts, a players’ lounge with viewing deck, an indoor refreshment garden, and retail shop. Four outdoor courts will also be added later in the summer.

In addition to Kennedy, other Pickles Advisory Board members include Lee Kennedy, Sr., founder of Lee Kennedy Co., Inc.; and Mike Heath, CFO of Lee Kennedy Co., Inc.

“Pickles is a compelling concept with an exciting business plan, and I am proud to support this women-owned business,” said Kennedy. “We look forward to celebrating the grand opening next month!”

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.

Pickles will be located at 357 Columbia Road in Hanover, MA. For more information, please visit www.picklesne.com.