After a series of Master Plan studies undertaken by the Town of Wolfeboro in the late 1990’s, a need for increased recreational opportunities for its citizens was identified. However, due to the high anticipated cost of creating such a facility, the Town was unable to take action at that time. Recognizing the need to bring these ideas to fruition, a citizens group was formed in 1999, now known as the Wolfeboro Area Recreation Association (WARA), a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Its purpose was to find space and create more recreational opportunities for children and adults in the greater Wolfeboro area. This group of interested citizens solicited funding, was gifted land, drew up plans and built The Nicholas J. Pernokas Recreational Park from a dream to a reality. Through their incredible determination and cooperation, this group raised $3.5 million in private funding to establish The Nick. Opened to the public in 2007, The Nick is a 27-acre sports facility which includes two baseball diamonds, two softball fields, three multi-use utility fields, a professional six-lane synthetic track, a mile-long walking path, two playgrounds, a covered pavilion with a concession stand and picnic area, a dog park, and a neighboring skate park.

The Nick is open to the general public year-round, is ADA handicap accessible, serves the seven surrounding towns, and is an integral part of the community. Hundreds of citizens use the park weekly; walking the path, utilizing the dog park, jogging the track, enjoying the playground and picnic areas, and cheering on local youth as they play on the fields. More than 800 youth consider The Nick to be their home field. Now that The Nick is actively serving the community, WARA is committed to managing the park in perpetuity in service to all throughout the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.The Nick was built without a single tax dollar and is currently debt free. Its $250,000 annual budget is met entirely by donations, annual fundraising efforts, and small fees collected from leagues that use the park regularly. This multi-generational recreational space was made possible through generous donations from the family of Nicholas J. Pernokas, many supportive community members, and numerous local businesses.

Learn more about how to support The Nick here.