Pickleball fans, you have a new option. Down the Line Sports Center recently opened the first dedicated pickleball facility in the City of Fairfax.
Down the Line, owned by Jenni Bae, sits inside a renovated CVS at 10390 Willard Way. It features three full courts, one singles court, one dinking practice court, and a hitting wall in its 10,000-square-foot center.
“We’re not concerned about packing our center with players waiting to play, we strive to provide quality playing time to maximize play for those who choose to spend time at our center,” said Bae. “We want to provide a place that is welcoming to all levels of players and grow a community.”
Six professional pickleball players played in an exhibition game at the facility’s grand opening in Old Town Fairfax City on February 29.
“I am blown away by the unwavering commitment and dedication shown by Jenni Bae and her family to reach this milestone,” said Christopher Bruno, president and CEO of Fairfax City Economic Development, about opening the new center. “Their vision and determination are commendable, and I am thrilled that Fairfax City will now reap the benefits with the unveiling of this newly activated destination for all of Northern Virginia.”
Bae received a Fairfax City Façade & Interior Improvement Grant to help with the renovations of the vacant building.
The pickleball facility caters to both beginners and seasoned players.
Memberships cost $45 a month, which gives members a 50 percent discount on private court fees, two weeks advanced booking for courts, and discounted open play fees.
For non-members, open play sessions will be $12 per hour in off-peak hours and $16 per hour during peak hours.
The memberships can only be used at the Fairfax location. Bae plans to open a much larger pickleball facility in Annandale either later this year or by early 2025. The 4311 Ravensworth Rd. location will feature 18 full-sized courts, six golf simulators, food and drinks, and a pickleball and golf shop.
“We want to grow the love of pickleball and show that DTL is set apart from the other pickleball facilities,” Bae said. “We care about providing our members the best and we’re starting that in Fairfax City and will continue that in Annandale.”
Feature image courtesy Fairfax City Economic Development
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