New Pickleball Courts Coming to Arlington: Construction on new dedicated pickleball courts at Walter Reed Community Center and Park in Arlington, Virginia, began the week of March 24, 2025. During this period, all existing courts were closed. The project aimed to enhance pickleball facilities in response to the sport’s rising popularity.
New Dedicated Pickleball Courts Came to Arlington
The project converted the existing multi-use tennis courts into six dedicated pickleball courts, complete with new pavement, netting, lighting, fencing, and necessary sports equipment. Additionally, the basketball court, which had been used for both basketball and pickleball, was restored to its original use. Sound reduction measures were also implemented to address community concerns.
Other improvements included seating and shaded areas, ADA-accessible pathways, stormwater management systems, signage, and landscaping. The County confirmed that construction was expected to last approximately 12 months, with completion projected for the spring of 2026.
Background and Community Engagement
Pickleball saw rapid growth in Arlington, leading to an increased demand for dedicated facilities. At the time, it was the only court sport in the county without a dedicated outdoor space. The Walter Reed location was chosen for this project based on an outdoor courts assessment that identified it as an ideal site for a single-use pickleball facility.
The movement for more pickleball courts in Arlington began in 2017 when pickleball striping was added to the Walter Reed basketball court as a trial for multi-use play. In 2019, additional striping was introduced on the tennis courts to accommodate pickleball players. The 2019 Public Spaces Master Plan specifically recommended establishing a dedicated pickleball facility to meet growing demand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pickleball surged in popularity, reinforcing the need for expanded facilities.
Community engagement efforts took place between 2021 and 2023, with Arlington County officials gathering feedback and considering various factors before finalizing the project plan.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
In January 2025, the Arlington County Board took action to approve the final steps before construction began. Once the contract was signed and a Notice to Proceed was issued, work commenced in late March. The construction phase was expected to take one year, with an anticipated completion date in spring 2026.
Throughout the process, the County provided updates and communicated progress to residents. During construction, players utilized other pickleball facilities across Arlington, both indoor and outdoor.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts Coming to Arlington
Construction on new pickleball courts at Walter Reed Community Center in Arlington started March 24, 2025. The project created six dedicated courts, improved accessibility, and restored a basketball court to its original use. Completion was expected in spring 2026. Temporary closures were in effect during construction.
ALSO READ: Columbia County Racquet Center Reopens with 10 New Pickleball Courts