About two dozen pickleball players asked the Purcellville Town Council on Tuesday night to help build an indoor court for the badminton-like sport.
Purcellville resident and pickleball player Phil Baldwin said he has seen exponential growth of pickleball in western Loudoun County and many players come from outside Loudoun to play on the outdoor courts at Franklin Park.
An indoor court would provide a year-round experience for players, he told the council. Currently, other options include at the local senior centers and other fitness centers where membership is required and the strong interest among players means there are long wait times to play.
Baldwin envisions a space where there can be classes and clinics for all levels of players, as well as tournament games.
The proposed facility would hold between seven and nine courts, with one court built as a stadium with bleachers.
Town council members were in support of the idea, although they had questions about the funding and the ideal location for the courts.
Baldwin suggested the Pullen House property adjacent to Bush Tabernacle, or other possible locations that could be identified by town staff. The estimated cost to build the pickleball facility is between $100,000 to $200,000 and funding could be provided through fundraisers, membership fees, league fees and more, Baldwin said.
Councilman Tip Stinnette said he would work with the Parks and Rec Advisory Board to meet with Baldwin and develop a plan for site options and funding.
Stinnette proposed returning to town council with a plan at a meeting in May.
“You have the support of this town council and we look to you to continue mobilizing it,” said Mayor Kwasi Fraser. “Continue to make us part of your team and we will have this ball rolling in the right direction.”
