Darden Towe Park Expands Pickleball Facilities: The Darden Towe Park advisory committee has voted 3-1 to replace the park’s last two remaining tennis courts with six new pickleball courts, reflecting the sport’s surging popularity in the area. The decision follows a similar move in 2021 when two other tennis courts were converted into pickleball courts.
Pickleball’s Growing Demand Drives Decision
The committee’s decision was based on community feedback and a user survey that assessed public interest in both sports. While the survey indicated that Darden Towe Park remains an important venue for tennis, it also showed a slight preference for pickleball.
Observations of high pickleball participation and frequent court reservations further reinforced the need for more courts. Teddy Hamilton, President of the Albemarle County Parks Foundation, emphasized the growth of pickleball in the region. He noted that while tennis is still played at the park, the demand for pickleball courts has surpassed that of tennis courts.
Opposition and Concerns Over Tennis Court Removal
Not everyone agreed with the decision. Rio District Supervisor Ned Gallaway, the only dissenting vote, expressed concerns about removing an existing recreational option instead of finding a way to accommodate both sports.
He also pointed out that tennis players may struggle to find alternative venues, as not all schools or facilities allow public access.
Fundraising Needed for Court Conversion
With the committee’s approval, the next step is securing funding for the project. The Albemarle County Parks Foundation will need to conduct fundraising efforts to move forward with the court conversion. This decision marks a shift in recreational priorities, as the community increasingly favors pickleball over tennis.
News in Brief: Darden Towe Park Expands Pickleball Facilities
The Darden Towe Park advisory committee voted 3-1 to replace its last two tennis courts with six new pickleball courts, citing high demand for pickleball. While the decision faced opposition, the Albemarle County Parks Foundation must now fundraise to proceed with the conversion.
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