Fairfax County to Remove Pickleball Courts at Kendall Woods Park
In a devastating blow to pickleball enthusiasts, Fairfax County Park Authority announced plans to revert the existing racquet courts at Kendall Woods Park to tennis-only courts. Despite the sport’s soaring popularity worldwide, the cherished pickleball courts will be stripped away, leaving a void in the hearts of local athletes.
The decision comes after years of dedicated efforts to accommodate the growing demand for pickleball, with the installation of dedicated courts and dual-lined spaces for both tennis and pickleball. However, the dream of a vibrant pickleball community at Kendall Woods Park has been shattered.
The once-thriving pickleball scene at the park is now facing extinction, as the county moves forward with repainting and striping the courts for tennis only. With the removal set to commence on June 3 and completion expected by June 17, pickleball players are left grappling with a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future of their beloved sport in the area.
Despite the Fairfax County 2021 Pickleball Study guidelines supporting the placement of courts in residential areas, Kendall Woods Park has been deemed unfit to meet the criteria, citing concerns over noise pollution. As pickleball enthusiasts mourn the impending loss, the search for a new location to revive the sport’s spirit has begun, but the pain of saying goodbye to Kendall Woods Park lingers heavy in their hearts.
