What’s all the racket?

Unless you’ve been out of bounds, you know pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Here in Charlottesville, there are at least 11 places to play, from public spots like Pen Park to private clubs and recreation centers. In spring of 2025, Darden Towe’s advisory committee served up a 3-1 vote to convert the park’s remaining two tennis courts into pickleball courts, and the city issued a request for proposals to adapt Tonsler Park’s tennis courts for pickleball and futsal players. Also coming soon: cvilleSMASH, a new indoor pickleball facility that opened in Seminole Square Shopping Center at the end of summer 2025. Let’s rally!