By Karson Crosthwaite

Over the past few years, pickleball has grown from a pastime game to one of the most popular sports in the United States. Often described as a simpler, more accessible version of tennis, the game has captured the attention of people across all age groups. Its vast popularity in our area is visible at Pouncey Tract Park in Glen Allen, where the sport’s growth has transformed the park into a lively and often crowded social hub. 

Pickleball’s success comes from its simplicity. The sport is played on a smaller tennis court, and the paddle is light, making it easier on the body. Therefore, the sport is easy to pick up for beginners, while experienced players can still enjoy its competitive aspects. The sport’s accessibility has helped fuel its growth. According to the 2024 USA Pickleball growth report, participation has increased by more than 200 percent since 2020, making it the fastest-growing sport in the country.

Pouncy Tract Pickleball Courts. Photo credit: Timmons Group.

Pouncy Tract has become one of the premier places to play pickleball in the Richmond area. The park offers a wide range of amenities, including restrooms, concessions, walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, bleachers, and lights for evening play. The pickleball complex itself is a major attraction, now featuring 24 courts, including two championship-caliber courts designed for larger events.

Stadium Court. Photo credit: Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority.

The park’s courts have expanded significantly over the years. The first four courts were built in 2018, followed by eight more in 2019. In August 2023, the Henrico Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to convert a softball field into 12 additional courts. These new courts officially opened on November 2, 2024, and include asphalt surfaces with acrylic coating and LED lighting, allowing for nighttime play. Two of the new courts are championship-style, offering extra space for player movement, bleachers for spectators, and large shade structures. 

The facility is thoughtfully divided to accommodate skill levels. The four upper courts are primarily used by beginners, while the intermediate and advanced players play at the eight lower courts. The lower courts are individually fenced to reduce the amount of stray balls rolling onto other players’ courts. Despite the upper courts not having this fencing and being more open, most courts are filled. 

Since the courts are free and can not be reserved, players rely on a paddle-stacking system to determine who plays next. Participants place their paddles in designated areas outside the fence, signaling their spot in line. Games are typically played in groups of four to maximize court usage, especially during busy hours. Play is most active in the mornings, from 8 a.m to noon, and in the evenings from around 5:30 p.m to 10 p.m, with Friday and Saturday nights being especially crowded, particularly when the weather is pleasant.

The courts’ popularity can sometimes be a challenge. There can be a lack of parking and playing time during crowded hours, but the players view the experience as worth it because of the sense of community the courts bring and the enjoyment of pickleball itself. Despite its popularity, Pouncey Tract does not have any major social media accounts that attract players to the courts. Instead, much of the park’s growth comes through people sharing their experiences on their own social media accounts. Players often invite friends, post videos or pictures from crowded nights at the courts, and help spread the popularity of pickleball in the Richmond area.

Court layout. Image credit: Henrico County.

Teddy Cunningham (‘27) described the courts as “a great addition to the community around the Pump,” adding that they are “the best pickleball courts in the area” and especially welcoming to beginners. Andrew Everett (‘27) praised the paddle system, saying it is “extremely efficient and allows for competitive play.”

According to John Zannino, Director of Henrico Recreation and Parks, the demand for public pickleball in the Richmond area has been overwhelming. With the addition of the Pouncy Tract Pickleball Courts, Zannino told WTVR News in an interview that, “Henrico County residents do not have to leave the county to come play the sport they love, and the best of all: it’s free.” He also said, “The original 12 courts are constantly full every morning and evening—you’ll see lines of players waiting to play.” Since 2020, Henrico has attracted more than 3,800 pickleball players to Pouncey Tract, and with the expansion to 24 courts, the number is expected to grow even more. Zannino also believes Pouncy Tract “will become an ideal location for pickleball tournament organizers to host tournaments here,” with potential for regional and national events.

For many players, including myself, having access to free, high-quality courts close to home feels like a rare advantage. My experiences at Pouncy Tract have been consistently positive, offering not only competitive play but also a chance to spend time with friends and build lasting memories. I come from a tennis background, but pickleball provides a familiar yet less physically demanding alternative that still satisfies my competitive nature. As warmer weather approaches, the courts will likely become even more crowded, but that only reflects the strong sense of community and excitement surrounding the sport and Pouncy Tract pickleball.