County leaders break ground on new pickleball courts

Henrico County leaders broke ground on Aug. 3 for eight new outdoor pickleball courts under construction at Pouncey Tract Park.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. The paddle sport combines elements of ping pong, badminton and tennis.

Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman and Three Chopt District Supervisor Tommy M. Branin and County Manager John A. Vithoulkas offered brief remarks at the event.

The new LED illuminated, asphalt courts are expected to be complete in October. The project is budgeted at $358,600. It will triple the number of playing surfaces available at the park. The county opened four courts there in 2018.

In addition to the outdoor courts at Pouncey Tract Park, residents can also play pickleball during Open Gym sessions at the Deep Run and Eastern Henrico recreation centers.

Recreation and Parks introduced residents to pickleball with a small workshop in 2010. Through word of mouth, pickleball caught on in popularity across the county. More than 500 people are registered to play pickleball during Open Gym.