'We want this to be a destination site'

At about this time last year, the basketball courts outside Henrico County’s Fairfield Middle School were small, asphalt-top courts that were used occasionally by community members.

Now, thanks to the vision of Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson and the efforts of other public servants, the courts have been transformed into a state-of-the-art location for county residents to play ball.

Yesterday, county officials, youngsters, and supporters of the project gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the official opening of the four new courts – built to NBA, WNBA and NCAA specifications – to the public. Not even the cloudy, drizzling sky overhead could dim the spirit of those gathered for the celebration.

“You can play basketball in a little bit of rain, you can definitely cut a ribbon in a little bit of rain,” County Manager John Vithoulkas said, explaining the desire to open the courts – complete with LED sports lighting, clear plexiglass backboards, acrylic color court surfacing, bleacher seating and security cameras – to the public as soon as possible.

Nelson said that the inspiration for the project came to him last spring, as he watched a basketball tournament unfold on Fairfield Middle School’s courts. He decided that the county’s youngsters deserved a facility that matched their level of enthusiasm.

“I would put this outdoor basketball facility against anything else in this region right now,” he said. “We want this to be a destination site, that’s the reason we put over half a million dollars into this court.”

Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson speaks June 23, 2022 during a dedication ceremony for the new courts at Fairfield Middle School, while Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas looks on. (Courtesy Henrico County)

Nelson is ecstatic about the courts’ potential to be a space for positive community development, particularly for youth with a passion for the game of basketball.

“We want to create a safe-haven and hopefully everybody that’s out here will commit to making sure that this community court is a safe haven,” he said. “We want this to be a place where young people can get off the street, where they can have somewhere to go when they get out of school, and that we will love, take care and protect [those kids] while we can.”

Driving past the courts at 7 or 8 p.m. and watching people have fun and enjoy the spirit of basketball is something Nelson looks forward to, he said.

“Give it two weeks, and these courts will be full of people playing ball,” he said. A smile took over his face as two courts over, four kids began shooting hoops. On the other end, a game between Henrico’s fire and police departments’ recreational teams began to unfold.

Before the ribbon was cut, Nelson and Vithoulkas thanked many of the attendees for their unrelenting support and dedication to the project’s success.

Vithoulkas thanked members of the county’s recreation and parks department for making sure the courts were up to standard. He also thanked members of the police and fire departments for their attendance and support of the project

Officials cut a ribbon to signify the official opening of the Fairfield Middle School courts. (Courtesy Henrico County)

Nelson thanked members of Fairfield Middle School’s administration and Highland Springs High School’s activities director and the coach of the school’s boys’ basketball team, which won the state championship earlier this year.

“I wanted to recognize that all these people are connecting the young people to the beauty of basketball,” he said, adding that no matter what part of the county they come from, the basketball courts were built for them, Henrico’s children and teens.