About: Friends of Dennis Picklebal

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Friends of Dennis Pickleball (FODP) is a volunteer-run 501c3 nonprofit that supports the Town of Dennis’s monitored pickleball program and helps maintain a welcoming, inclusive community at the Wixon Courts. 

We were originally formed to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Wixon facility. Today, our primary role is to recruit and organize volunteers — especially monitors — so that the Town can offer safe, structured, and enjoyable monitored play throughout the busiest months of the year.

 We organize and train volunteer monitors for all monitored play sessions.

• We promote sportsmanship, safety, and an inclusive environment for players of all ages and skill levels.
• We invest in equipment, amenities, and small improvements that enhance the player experience at Wixon.
• We serve as a community hub for communication, learning, and volunteer engagement.

 To help clarify roles:

• The Town of Dennis Recreation Department owns and manages the Wixon Courts.
• The Town sets all official policies, hours, and registration requirements.
• FODP does not manage the facility, set fees, reassign courts, or make decisions about construction or capital projects.
• Our work is entirely in support of the Town’s program.

 Membership fees ($55 for Dennis residents, $75 for non-residents) are collected by the Town and support the Town’s operating costs.

FODP receives no portion of these fees. We fund our activities through:

• Commissions from our online store
• Occasional partnerships and sponsorships
• Donations from community members

This money supports  volunteer training, equipment, court enhancements, and community-building efforts.

A volunteer board oversees FODP’s mission and operations.

Current board members:

 Marta Cahill

Jackie Walker

Jane Leclaire

Linda Nolan

Holly Demers

 Ford Stewart 

 Bill Forgione 

Marc Pelletier

John Beck

Meet the Board Member (Photos)

FODP’s mission is to strengthen the pickleball community in Dennis by organizing volunteers, fostering sportsmanship, and supporting programs and facilities that help players learn, connect, and have fun on the court.

Wixon Court Renovation

Starting in 2019, the old tennis courts on Old Chatham Road were replaced by a collaborative project between the Town of Dennis, with Community Preservation funding and support from Friends of Dennis Pickleball (FODP). Through fundraising — including a $10,000 pledge from FODP — and public funding, the site was converted into 14 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts. Completed in 2020, Wixon Courts features permanent nets and markings to meet the needs of the growing local pickleball community.

This project established the foundation for today’s volunteer-supported monitored-play program.