Annandale’s Kendale Woods Park Bids Farewell to Pickleball Courts Amid Noise Concerns
In a move that reflects the ongoing tension between recreational pursuits and residential tranquility, Annandale’s Kendale Woods Park is set to undergo a significant transformation. Following mounting complaints from neighboring residents regarding noise disturbances, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) has announced plans to remove the pickleball lines from the park’s two racquetball courts, reverting them to tennis-only facilities.
The decision, announced last Thursday (May 2), marks the end of an era for pickleball enthusiasts who frequented the popular courts. Located at 3813A Kendale Road near Mason Crest Elementary School, Kendale Woods Park was once among 23 FCPA facilities boasting outdoor pickleball courts. However, according to a recent county study finalized in December 2021, the park’s courts failed to meet the recommended site selection criteria.
The study, aimed at gauging demand for pickleball facilities and establishing guidelines for future court planning, revealed several deficiencies at Kendale Woods Park. Chief among these was the lack of adequate parking, which compelled park visitors to occupy street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the park’s close proximity to residential houses, with some as close as 47 to 103 feet, led to heightened concerns about noise disturbances from pickleball play.
Benjamin Boxer, spokesperson for the FCPA, emphasized the need to address these concerns: “We’ve found that the site is not conducive to facilitate pickleball play and are looking to find a more suitable location for these courts.”
The repainting and striping process to convert the courts back to tennis-only facilities is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 3, and conclude on Monday, June 17, weather permitting. While the decision to remove pickleball facilities underscores the FCPA’s commitment to addressing community concerns, it also highlights the challenges faced by municipalities in balancing recreational interests with residential quality of life.
Noise issues stemming from pickleball play have emerged as a common source of contention in neighborhoods across the country. From reduced playing hours to scrapped renovation plans, communities are grappling with the delicate task of accommodating the sport’s growing popularity while mitigating its impact on local residents.
As Kendale Woods Park bids farewell to its pickleball courts, the debate over the future of recreational facilities and their impact on communities is likely to continue, underscoring the need for thoughtful planning and collaboration between stakeholders.
