Henrico supervisors approve championship-level pickleball complex in Short Pump

Henrico supervisors Aug. 8 unanimously approved a $4.4-million construction contract with Rainbow Construction Corp. to convert the softball field at Pouncey Tract Park in Short Pump to a 12-court pickleball complex, with two championship-style courts, covered spectator seating and LED sports lighting.

The 10 standard courts will measure 34 feet by 64 feet, while the championship courts will be slightly larger, at 44 feet by 74 feet, with more hardscaping beyond the baselines and sidelines.

The park already is home to 12 existing courts.

Three Chopt District Supervisor Tommy Branin made the motion to approve the project, citing strong interest among residents.

“There’s over a thousand people that are jumping out of their skin, because I get emails and calls practically weekly, and it really has created one heck of a community,” he said.

Branin added that he expects the complex will further elevate Henrico among rankings of best communities for pickleball.

“I believe this will put us over the edge,” he said.

The project, which is planned just north of the Short Pump Middle School track, also includes the construction of an adjoining 103-space parking lot, road improvements and an underground stormwater detention facility. Site work is expected to begin in September and be completed next June.

“Henrico County residents have embraced pickleball since we built our first courts in 2018,” said John Zannino, director of Henrico’s Division of Recreation & Parks. “We’re excited to meet the growing demand for pickleball courts with what will be our largest complex at Pouncey Tract Park. By including two championship courts, we will not only serve our residents but also position Henrico to attract regional and national pickleball tournaments that will continue to enhance sports tourism in the county and region.”

Recreation & Parks currently has 26 pickleball courts at four locations. The 12 existing courts at Pouncey Tract Park were built in 2018 (four) and 2019 (eight).

Eight courts are located at The Springs Recreation Center in Highland Springs, two at the Sandston Recreation Area and four at Hidden Creek Park. In addition, Performance Pickleball RVA is preparing to open an indoor/outdoor pickleball facility at Regency, with 12 indoor courts in its first phase.

Since 2020, Henrico has attracted more than 3,800 pickleball players to Pouncey Tract and other sites for tournaments, including the Virginia Pickleboo Classic, Virginia Pickleball Classic, The Body Armour 804 Open and the World Pickleball Tour’s Richmond Pickleball Classic.