ANNOUNCEMENT
The Park Authority invites public comments on its draft Pickleball Study through October 1, 2021. The following documents are available:
A virtual meeting was held on September 14 to introduce the draft Pickleball Study. The meeting presentation and a recording of the meeting can be accessed at the links below.
- Pickleball in Fairfax County Presentation Slides - Virtual Public Comment Meeting (September 14)
- Virtual Public Meeting Recording (September 14)
Comments or Questions - Comments will be accepted from September 1 to October 1, 2021 during the comment period by emailing G4274@publicinput.com or contacting the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-8662.
The Park Authority Board discussed the study’s key findings and draft recommendations at its regular meeting on July 28, 2021 at 7:30 PM. Please see the Board Package for the presentation.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
County agencies have received numerous requests from the public to provide additional pickleball facilities within its parks, RECenters, and community centers.
Given the need to balance the competing recreational needs of our residents, the Park Authority recognizes the requirement for a more strategic, equitable, and sustainable approach to providing for pickleball. To this end, our staff, in coordination with the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS), began a formal feasibility study on this topic in Summer 2019.
The Park Authority began accommodating pickleball by refurbishing existing tennis and multiuse courts to allow multiple sports, including pickleball. We now have 46 outdoor courts lined for pickleball throughout the County. RECenters and community centers add additional indoor pickleball court areas, through striping of gym areas.
The Pickleball study will:
- Determine how to strategically respond to community requests for pickleball;
- Guide Park Authority decision makers in evaluating and designing suitable locations using a standard process; and
- Provide location-based recommendations on where new pickleball facilities should be considered.
STUDY SCHEDULE
The study is underway and will be planned for completion in Fall 2021.The draft report has been posted and a virtual public meeting was held on September 14. Comments will be accepted through October 1. A revised study report will then be brought to the Park Authority Board for endorsement.
MORE INFORMATION
For further information, please contact Adam Wynn (Adam.Wynn@fairfaxcounty.gov). Staff has also met with pickleball advocates and related stakeholder groups and has been responding to individual inquiries.
To find pickleball courts, please use our Park Locator online map. Turn on the “Pickleball Lined Court” filter to see which parks have a tennis or basketball court lined for pickleball.
Comments
Comments regarding the Pickleball Study can be emailed here.
