Left: Mike Hanning on a court at Dynamite Pickleball (Photo Courtesy of Dynamite Pickleball) Right: Dynamite Pickleball complex in Merrimack (Photo by Jenn Farkas)
After three years of research, site visits and construction planning, longtime builder Mike Hanning has opened what he claims is the largest pickleball facility in NH.
Dynamite Pickleball, which debuted in March at 702 DW Highway in Merrimack, features 12 indoor climate-controlled courts and six outdoor courts designed to serve players ranging from beginners to advanced competitors.
Hanning, 56, says the idea grew out of both market demand and the limitations of existing facilities. “Almost everything that existed had 16-foot-high ceilings,” Hanning says. “But better players want at least 18 feet and ideally 22. The higher you can get, the better.”
At Dynamite, both the first- and second-floor courts have ceilings exceeding 20 feet, allowing elite players to execute high lobs without interference. “This will be the largest pickleball facility in the state,” he says, adding the floor to ceiling height is excellent for tournament-level play.
A general contractor by trade, Hanning says he became intrigued by pickleball after playing a handful of times and repeatedly hearing from friends that court time was hard to come by. “I kept hearing there weren’t enough places to play,” he says. “I saw such a need for it.”
He points to the sport’s rapid growth and wide appeal with approximately 19% of American adults playing, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals. “The average age is actually 18 to 35,” he says, adding the game offers strong aerobic exercise and may help support cognitive health through hand-eye coordination and constant movement.
The Merrimack facility is among the first in the region to install seven-layer, high-cushion courts designed to reduce joint impact while maintaining a fast, responsive playing surface. Locker rooms with showers and rental gear are also part of the package.
Memberships are priced at $109 per month with an annual commitment or $119 month-to-month. A 15-day trial membership costs $50 and includes unlimited beginner play to open play. Members can reserve courts 10 days in advance.
Hanning, who secured financing through Bellwether Community Credit Union, says he is already receiving calls about corporate events and private functions. Leagues and tournaments are planned as membership grows.
While the club doesn’t offer in-house food service, Hanning is considering themed events such as Taco Tuesdays and bringing in food trucks to create more of a community atmosphere. “I saw a need and an opportunity to grow the sport and build a place people enjoy coming to,” he says, adding he’s already eyeing a second location. “I don’t want to get too big, just work our own little corner here.”
For more information, visit dynamitepickleballnh.com.