Several years ago, a man collapsed without warning at a local Marblehead club, his life hanging in the balance until a group of retired nurses rushed in with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and brought him back.
Now, members of the Marblehead Pickleball Board want to make sure players have access to life-saving equipment when it matters most. It has donated an AED placed at the Seaside Park courts.
Since its start in 2018 and its transition to a nonprofit in 2024, Marblehead Pickleball has grown into something far bigger than a recreational pastime. The courts are alive with energy — paddles popping, laughter echoing and players of all ages showing up not just to compete, but to connect. Behind the scenes, a dedicated five-person board is working to keep the momentum going while pushing for improvements that could one day save a life.
Until now, there was no dedicated AED at Seaside Park, the largest park in Marblehead.
Marblehead Pickleball member Anne Tassel noted that Marblehead Pickleball has received strong support from the town’s Recreation and Parks Department, as well as the Marblehead Police and Fire departments.
“The AED would benefit the entire community, not just pickleball players, but tennis and basketball players, those using the baseball fields, as well as joggers, hikers and people out walking,” said Tassel. “On a beautiful summer day, the park is full of activity.”
Marblehead Pickleball sends out monthly email newsletters to over 800 people. The organization also has more than 4,000 followers on Instagram, reflecting its growing reach in the community.
“There has been an overwhelming response to the league,” Tassel said. “We organize team practices and social get-togethers. Players are drafted onto teams by captains based on skill level, but the best part is seeing people out there, exercising, socializing and getting better together.”
The group has also organized recent fundraisers, including a Move4Heather fundraiser benefiting glioblastoma research, as well as Fund the Field, Marblehead Counseling Center, and an upcoming Girls Inc. tournament titled the TQM’s Wealth Partners Win-4-All event in September.
Tassel said her interest in improving access to AEDs is personal. A 2025 recipient of the Amy Saltz Community Champions Award, she helped secure an AED at the JCC gym, where she plays during the winter months. She plays pickleball nearly every day, often twice a day in the summer.
“When my kids call or text me, they don’t even ask what I’m up to because they know I’m either on my way to pickleball, just getting home from pickleball, or in the middle of playing pickleball,” Tassel said with a laugh.
Tassel credits her fellow board members Lisa Spinale, Kate Dinsmore, Tony Mongiello and Jayson Score for keeping the programs running smoothly.
“We also owe a lot of gratitude to Lauren Andreano for setting up the website. We wouldn’t be able to do this without her,” says Tassel. “We have a strong board of directors, with each member bringing their own unique talents and strengths to the role.”
Interest in pickleball surged during the pandemic, with many players saying the sport helped combat isolation while keeping them active both socially and physically.
“Several people have told me that pickleball saved their life in terms of loneliness. They have formed nice social circles not to mention the health benefits from it,” said Tassel.
The group is also gearing up for a busy season. Tassel noted that the AED is available at Seaside Park from spring through late fall, stored in a marked cabinet. During the winter months, it would be relocated to the police station.
The organization has also donated more than 100 paddles to local schools, including the Marblehead Charter School, Veterans School and high school.
Summer league registration is underway. More information is available at marbleheadpickleball.org. Lessons and court reservations are managed through the town’s Recreation and Parks Department, and equipment may be borrowed from Abbot Public Library.
