The Picklr Manahawkin-LBI has announced a new strategic partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network. The collaboration designates the health system as the official Health and Wellness Sponsor of the Manahawkin pickleball club, aiming to bring medical expertise and community health initiatives directly to the growing local sports hub.
The partnership integrates the resources of Hackensack Meridian Health—anchored by the specialized care teams at Southern Ocean Medical Center—into the club’s daily operations. By embedding health and wellness programming into the club, the collaboration seeks to support the active lifestyles of both year-round residents and seasonal visitors in the Manahawkin and Long Beach Island area.
“As pickleball continues to grow as both a recreational and wellness activity, partnering with a respected healthcare leader that serves our local community is a natural fit,” Tom Neale, owner of The Picklr Manahawkin-LBI, said. “This partnership will create added value for our members both on and off the court.”
The alliance includes a multi-faceted approach to member engagement, featuring:
- On-Site Wellness Activations: Experts from the Hackensack Meridian Health network will host regular events at the club, focusing on key areas for active individuals, such as orthopedics and cardiology.
- Preventative Care: The partnership will offer health-focused workshops and preventative screenings to help players maintain their long-term health.
- Community Space: The club’s primary social area will be rebranded as the partnership’s community hub, serving as a dedicated space for health seminars and social wellness activities.
- Integrated Digital Presence: Hackensack Meridian Health will receive prominent branding within the facility, title sponsorship of the club’s monthly newsletter, and collaborate on shared social media campaigns.
For Hackensack Meridian Health, the partnership is a way to extend its mission beyond the hospital walls. “This partnership is the latest example of embedding our mission of health and wellness directly into the fabric of the Manahawkin and LBI communities,” Brian Walch, president and chief hospital executive of Southern Ocean Medical Center, said. “We are creating a seamless connection to our entire network—from the excellent care at Southern Ocean Medical Center to our nationally recognized specialists—right in your backyard.”
The Picklr Manahawkin-LBI, which opened in March 2025 at 205 Route 72 West, features 22,500 square feet of space with seven professional-quality indoor courts, a pro shop, and a café. The facility has quickly become a cornerstone for the local pickleball community, and this partnership marks a significant step in aligning high-level athletic recreation with professional healthcare support.
