In December 2023, Fairfax City Council was considering a request from Down the Line Sports Center to open an indoor pickleball facility in the City. It needed a special-use permit to do so in a long-vacant building that once housed a CVS Pharmacy.

It planned to offer three full-sized courts, two half-sized, a short court for practices, plus a players’ lounge and a mini pro shop. Located at 10390 Willard Way in the Courthouse Plaza shopping center, the 10,000-square-foot facility would be open seven days a week and as late as 9 p.m.

And among those urging the Councilmembers to approve the application was none other than their former colleague – and avid pickleball player – Janice Miller. “I think pickleball is a great sport for all ages,” she said. “Many people who’ll use this facility have full-time jobs and can’t use other such places that are only open during the daylight hours. It’s also a great opportunity for people to visit our local restaurants and breweries afterward.”

Agreeing, Beth Young, chair of the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA), said, “This would be an exciting addition to our community and would fill a prime vacant space in our City.”

After the ceremony, the professional pickleball players in front gave a demonstration. (In no particular order), they are Rafa Hewett, Lea Jansen, Etta Wright, Connor Garnett, Dylan Frazier and Pablo Tellez.

 

Pleased with the proposal, the Council approved it unanimously, with Mayor Catherine Read noting that this use will also have a bathroom and may be reached not just by car, but also by foot or via Fairfax’s free CUE buses.

It’s no wonder then that City officials were so happy to participate in Down the Line’s recent ribbon cutting. And besides being Fairfax’s first facility dedicated only to pickleball, it’s also owned by a woman, Jenni Bae. The hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

At the outset of the ceremony, Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) Programs Manager Tara Borwey said Bae taught her how to play pickleball. “To say that the City is excited to welcome this business is a complete understatement,” said Borwey. “And today, we’re here to celebrate that.” 

“This is truly one of the most exciting openings we’ve had in a long time because it’s so unique,” explained Read. “We cut ribbons on restaurants and retail, but this is our first ribbon cutting on an indoor pickleball court. And as ever, I so appreciate businesses who choose us. You could choose a lot of other places, but you picked Fairfax City.”

“And this is such a perfect space,” she continued. “You have revitalized a space that would otherwise be empty. You have brought such energy, excitement and activity. More people need to get out, move their bodies and play pickleball.” Commending Bae on the building’s transformation, Read said she used to go there when it was a pharmacy and her children were little.

So she was delighted, she said, “to walk in here and see how beautiful the space is. It is such an asset – such a gem in the City. So thank you so much to all of you who have come today. And to all the people who play pickleball, I welcome you here. I know this is something that’s going to bring energy to this particular part of Fairfax City.”

Besides City officials and the FCED, Read also acknowledged the efforts of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in making this facility a reality in the City. “This is a team effort,” said Read. “What we do here really is a partnership. We do our best to support the businesses who come here, and our partners are very important in us being able to do that.”

Also thrilled about Down the Line’s opening was Fairfax Economic Development Director Chris Bruno. “I’ve gotten to know Jenni and her family over the last year,” he said. “I even played pickleball with her, and she completely kicked my butt – so I’m going to have to be coming here a lot. We’re extremely proud of you and your family for having the vision to open this facility here, and I want to thank you and say congratulations.

“On behalf of the Economic Development Authority, we welcome you. We’re glad you were able to participate in our Façade and Interior Improvement Grant program. And we’re happy to have given you a little bit of support so you could have a new home here in Fairfax City.” Bruno also recognized the City’s former assistant fire chief, Andrew Wilson, who served as the EDA’s project manager helping to bring Down the Line here and provided “a lot of behind-the-scenes work.”

Down the Line welcomes both beginners wanting to learn pickleball and seasoned players looking for competitive matches. From organized leagues and tournaments to open play, private instruction and social events, it offers something for all pickleball aficionados.

A second location is planned for a 2025 opening in Annandale, but this is Bae’s inaugural facility. “This is an exciting new chapter for Down the Line Sports Center, and we’re thrilled to bring our first location to the heart of Old Town,” said Bae. “It’s a space where patrons of all ages can come together, play and connect.”

Pleased to see so many people at the ribbon cutting, she said how grateful she was for her family and friends – both old and new. “I want to thank the City,” said Bae. “It’s been such a big support, and we’re happy to be here. The amount of friendships I’ve been able to cultivate because of pickleball has been amazing. It’s wonderful to develop these new relationships and see a community grow.”

She also thanked her parents, in-laws, husband and three children, who were all at the ceremony. “And a shout-out to my friends who helped build this out, literally, with our hands – putting every single piece together,” added Bae. She gave a nod to Amazon Prime, as well, for “having everything you need to build a pickleball facility.”

She further stressed that Down the Line has an operating system different from any other pickleball entity. “We’ve got technology that gives us live scoreboards as you’re playing,” she explained. “And we have a replay system that everyone seems to love. If you hit a great shot, you hit that replay and you get to go home with the highlight. These are all the things we offer – new experiences and better quality.”

Councilmember Tom Ross said nobody could have envisioned pickleball when he graduated from college, more than 50 years ago. “So to see where we’ve come from and where we are today is a real tribute to people’s interest in new activities and opportunities,” he said. Ross was also excited to see a former pharmacy transformed into a modern use.

“My friends in Fairfax County tell me Fairfax City is way ahead of the county in terms of providing opportunities for pickleball players,” he continued. “And that’s a tribute to the City and to the leadership of our EDA and our Parks and Recreation Department and the kind of work we do.”

Ross also reminded people to patronize the local restaurants and Chubby Squirrel Brewing Co., in that same shopping center, when they’ve finished playing pickleball. “Take advantage of what’s around and enjoy this area,” he said. “We’ve got a great City and a great community.”

Among those delighted with the new facility is pickleball player Tammy Sankner of Chantilly. Although she’s only been playing since December, her skills have improved considerably, and she’s become a pickleball devotee.

“Jenni has been welcoming and has given me pointers and helped me develop my game,” said Sankner. “This is a great facility – nice and fresh, and with good lighting. And since it’s relatively small, it’s like a family; you get to know everybody here.”

* While open to non-members, Down the Line is a membership-based system, offering priority reservations and other perks to its members. For more information, go to https://dtlsportscenter.com.

* To learn about incentives provided by Fairfax City Economic Development, visit https://gofairfaxcity.com/.