New Pickleball Courts Open in Hollin Hills

Jul. 27, 2022

7:36 a.m.

Photo by Alexandria Living Magazine

You may have heard that pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport. The paddle sport is a mix of tennis, pingpong and badminton and is known for its accessibility to players of all ages.

Both Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria have been working towards meeting the demand for pickleball courts, adding lines to existing tennis courts at public rec centers and parks. Some private tennis courts like those managed by Belle View Condo Association have also added lines for pickleball play. Except for the Wakefield Park courts in Annandale, most of these courts are still shared with tennis players.

Earlier this month, Hollin Hills Pickleball and Tennis Club (HHPTC) opened six new pickleball courts, some of the only private courts dedicated exclusively for pickleball in the area. The club raised money to renovate two dilapidated and underutilized tennis courts in Hollin Hills, located right off of Fort Hunt Road.

Despite the sport’s general popularity, turning the pickleball courts into a reality was no easy feat and involved many hands. Long-time Hollin Hills tennis player Steve Ryan knew that something had to be done to bring new life to the neighborhood’s four tennis courts. He recruited Hollin Hills resident Milly Stanges, who is a USA pickleball ambassador and member of Fairfax County Advocates for Pickleball to help him.

Ryan and Stanges, along with Rebecca Bostick, a volunteer with the Civic Association of Hollin Hills (CAHH), tirelessly educated association members about pickleball and what it could mean for the old tennis courts. “I was frustrated by our efforts to find a viable solution. We needed a sport that could attract the necessary support to rebuild the failing courts and have a membership that would sustain them long term”, explained Bostick.

They had the support of CAHH president Patrick Kelly who had long been looking for a solution to the tennis court problem. “I saw a way to clean up the eyesore that has plagued the CAHH and provide access to the very popular sport for residents of Hollin Hills and the Alexandria community,” said Kelly.

The decision to hire a company to resurface the courts and borrow money from the CAHH finally passed and work on the courts wrapped up the beginning of July. HHPTC already has over 140 households in its membership and a robust group of volunteers who have transformed the courts into a lively, fun community. The courts have been resurfaced with new nets, fencing and a social area where members can hang out when not on the court. Lights will also be installed so the courts can be used year round.

Membership in HHPTC is open to anyone, and is not limited to residents of Hollin Hills. Stanges said that some members live as far away as Del Ray. There is a $300 one-time initiation fee and membership is then $150 a year per household for one player and another $50 a year for any additional players in the household. Members can reserve the courts using an online system. The club already has plans for future social events, classes for beginner pickleball players, clinics and tournaments for more competitive players.

“The biggest goal in this game is to enjoy yourself, have fun, move. Get off the couch, move. During the pandemic we saw a huge surge not only in this area but all over the country in pickleball because people were going nuts and it was the one thing they could do safely,” said Stanges, whose passion for the sport is infectious.

Despite all they have accomplished with the new pickleball courts, HHPTC is not finished just yet. They still need to raise $150,000 to redo the two remaining tennis courts which will remain tennis courts but need significant repair. The club is hoping to have them complete by spring 2023.

If you are interested in becoming a member of HHPTC, visit hhpickleballandtennis.com to find out more.

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