YORK–Back Creek Park, located at 3000 Goodwin Neck Rd. in Yorktown, is getting a makeover that both boaters and pickleball players will enjoy.
Two of the park’s tennis courts are being converted into six pickleball courts. Weather permitting, Assistant County Administrator Brian Fuller anticipates the courts will be ready for dinks and lobs by August 1. The $109,000 contract was awarded to Kerrick Construction.
After that work is done, the county plans to resurface the four other tennis courts and add pickleball lines so either sport can be played.
“The tennis courts were due to be resurfaced as part of the county’s Capital Improvement Program,” Fuller said.
Simultaneously, the county is finalizing the design for an ADA-accessible kayak launch to be constructed behind the park office. All three projects will be funded from American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“The Board of Supervisors allocated a portion of these funds to upgrade parks and recreation facilities,” Fuller said. “(Like) most communities, we have seen a great number of players playing pickleball, so it made sense as part of the resurfacing to make some of these courts dedicated to pickleball.”
All projects are scheduled to be completed this summer.
In James City County, three tennis courts have already been turned into eight pickleball courts at Veterans Park. Williamsburg has indoor pickleball play at the Quarterpath Recreation Center.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. A combination of tennis and ping pong, it’s played by two or four players with a large paddle, using a plastic ball with holes. The small court – 20 feet by 44 feet – is preferred by many older players but all ages can play.
