LAKES REGION PICKLEBALL
Update on Pickleball in Wolfeboro – May 2026
Hello Wolfeboro region pickleball friends and players,
The purpose of this communication is to update you on the status of the dedicated pickleball center project in Wolfeboro, board changes in the Lakes Region Pickleball Club (LRPC), and pickleball in general within our community.
We’ve used an FAQ format that we hope will address most of the questions that may be on your mind.
We’ll circle back with additional information when we have more to share. In the meantime, if you have a question that is not covered here, drop a note to info@lakesregionpickleball.org.
FAQs
What is the status of building a dedicated pickleball facility, and the Lakes Region Pickleball Club in general?
First, let’s provide some background: In 2015, the New Hampshire Lakes Region Pickleball Club (NHLRPC, or simply LRPC for the purposes of this document) was formed by local pickleball players to help spread opportunities for play across our community. The LRPC was formed as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, and its original members were Joe Santoro, George Vanderheiden, John Daforno, Sue Nelson, and Joyce Lake. This group, along with Jim Pearson and Steve Cloutier, and eventually Heather DeAngelis, became the LRPC’s board of directors, with Joe Santoro as president. Since that time, the club has helped to organize year-round pickleball play in the Wolfeboro community at locations such as Foss Field, Kingswood schools, Lions Camp Pride in New Durham, and Tuftonboro Central Middle School. Under Joe Santoro’s leadership, it also sponsored the Lakes Region and Sadie Hawkins tournaments for several years. In 2022, George Vanderheiden passed away. He very generously bequeathed substantial funds from his estate for the purpose of building a dedicated pickleball facility that would make year-round pickleball possible for local residents at reasonable fees.
Can you tell me more about George Vanderheiden?
George was one of the pioneers of pickleball play in Wolfeboro. In fact, he funded the two dedicated, fenced pickleball courts we have at Foss Field. He made a huge impact not only on the Wolfeboro pickleball community but in his life’s work -- for those interested, here is more information on George. Fortunately, George’s daughter Heather took his place on the LRPC board. The board is extremely grateful to George, Heather, and the Vanderheiden family. Their generosity ensures that we have the foundation of resources that will help to create opportunities for current and future generations of pickleball players across our community. A new, dedicated pickleball facility was intended to be part of those resources.
So where do things stand now on a new facility?
Over the last several years, several potential sites were considered for the new facility. Eventually, a 35-acre parcel was purchased in Wolfeboro, at the northeast corner of the intersection of Route 28 and Governor Wentworth Highway/Route 109. In 2025, town permits were secured. Work was begun on the site plan and a conceptual building design. Currently, development of the new facility is paused temporarily while we develop a business plan. This plan will ensure the new facility is sized correctly so that it is economically sustainable while meeting current and future needs.
What were the changes on the board?
In early 2026, LRPC Board president Joe Santoro resigned from the board. We all are extremely grateful for the work that Joe has done for our collective pickleball community over the years, and we thank him for his service on the board and positive impact on the Wolfeboro pickleball community. Also, by early 2026 most of the original founding board members of the LRPC had reached or surpassed their six years of service. In accordance with the organization’s bylaws, the LRPC has transitioned to a new board. We are all very thankful for the many years of dedicated service by members who have transitioned off the board. We also appreciate the commitment of those members to participate on committees to help realize the vision of George Vanderheiden and the LRPC. The names of previous and new LRPC board members are listed at the end of this document. NOTE: Current board member Heather (Vanderheiden) DeAngelis has graciously agreed to continue serving on the board to help ensure a smooth transition to our next phase of work.
And what is the work that is happening now?
First, on February 26 of this year, John Daforno volunteered along with Anne Blodget and Howard Lowe to organize a listening session at Wolfeboro Town Hall to hear questions, ideas, and comments from all interested parties across our pickleball community. Based on that input, a temporary Pickleball Advisory Team (PAT) was formed to help develop a plan that represents the input from that meeting, while also carrying forward the original vision of the LPRC and the Vanderheiden family. The PAT is committed to complete transparency during this process. As work continues, there will be continuing communication and outreach to our pickleball community. If you have a question that is not covered here or anytime along the way, please drop a note to info@lakesregionpickleball.org.
Who are the members of the advisory team?
The team members are: (listed alphabetically) Brant Bauer Patty Bauer Dave Grip Grant Hatch Kathy McKechnie Mike Parton Lauren Shealy Leanne Summers Donna Towne Steve Towneles
What is the advisory team working on?
The advisory team has evolved into four working committees of the board, focusing on the following areas. Each committee is chaired by a board member, and all work is aligned with the LRPC’s bylaws and policies.
Communications
Ensure transparency, foster community connections, and create awareness via communications to our pickleball community, including newsletters, email updates and lists, social media, a website, and news releases as warranted.
Planning/Studies/Fundraising
Coordinate the development of strategic business plans and feasibility studies. Identify and develop funding sources.
Programs
Continue to develop, organize, and implement LRPC activities, including events, lessons, social gatherings, and managing play at rented venues such as Kingswood and Camp Pride. Define future program options that the future facility may need to support.
Site/Facility
Review site plan and facility design. Meet with vendors and make recommendations on scope of work. Over time, we will be seeking additional volunteers who might be interested in getting involved with this important community project. Involvement from lots of different volunteers is the best way to ensure ongoing success!
Does the NHLRPC have all the necessary funds required to build a new facility?
Thanks to the Vanderheiden Family Foundation, we had the funding to purchase the land and get started on planning a new facility. Additional funding will be required to complete a new facility. When the feasibility study and business plan are complete, we will know what additional funds will need to be raised.
Having our own facility would be great, but what about potentially working with other partners on building a new facility, or combining forces with existing venues?
We recognize the new facility needs to fit with the rest of the community and not compete for resources to duplicate existing capabilities. As part of our feasibility study, we will explore all potential opportunities for collaboration and partnership. We are communicating with The Nick and the Wolfeboro Tennis Club, as well as the Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation Department. There are various factors that need to be considered for each situation – for example availability of pickleball play time at existing facilities – but we are exploring discussions and will keep you apprised of any developments.
If we have a dedicated facility, what would the playing surface be?
It would have hard courts that are designed for pickleball – not wood, linoleum or multi-sport flooring. Compared with other facilities, a dedicated pickleball facility with this type of surface would offer a similar surface to outdoors but with the benefits of indoor playing.
Can you remind me how play is currently organized if I want to play now? For example, now that spring is finally here, we can play outside at Foss Field – but is there a sign-up process to play?
Foss Field is owned and operated by the town, and there is no formal sign-up requirement or fee. However, currently NHLRPC maintains a website called Sign-up Genius so that people can let other players know when they are planning to play at Foss. We also use Sign-up Genius in the “winter season,” to formally sign up for indoor play at indoor venues we rent: Camp Pride and Kingswood. That page now displays for 2026/27. Also note that there is a limit on the number of players per session for the indoor gyms, and there is a $10 per person fee for use of the gym at both Camp Pride and Kingswood. These fees cover venue rental fees, balls, nets, tape, and the sign-up tool. You can also use Sign-up Genius to sign up for winter season play at Tuftonboro Middle School, using this page. There is a $2 fee per person in this gym. There is an email distribution list of pickleball players who are notified when Sign-up Genius pages “go live” or are updated during the season. If you are not on the Sign-up Genius email list, please email info@lakesregionpickleball.org and we can add you. For sign-up links, please visit our SIGN UP TO PLAY page
Will the LRPC be sponsoring tournaments at Foss Field in 2026?
Due to the reorganization of the NH Lakes Region Pickleball Club and the concerted efforts required to move the new facility forward, the board will not sponsor tournaments this year. However, other organizations may wish to do so, and if/when tournaments are announced we may help to promote them. We also plan to provide links to other, existing regional tournaments on a new NHLRPC website, which will go live later in 2026. In the meantime, you can go to www.pickleballtournaments.com to find regional tournaments. For example, there are tournaments in Concord NH and Thornton NH in June 2026.
What else do I need to I know if I am interested in playing pickleball in Wolfeboro now and in the future? For example, I am excited about a new facility but wondering about any potential fees for playing there?
There are many things, such as facility size, program offerings, and potential fees for playing at the eventual new facility, that will be addressed as part of our feasibility study. As you can imagine, these considerations are interrelated. We will communicate our findings and associated recommendations in more detail when the studies are completed.
We are extremely excited about this next phase of work that is moving forward with support from many new volunteers. We all share a passion for pickleball, a commitment to transparency, and deep pride in
our community. We look forward to communicating with you -- and seeing you on the courts!
Respectfully,
Communications Committee, NHLRPC
