Month: September 2022



Categories
Virginia Sportsfest

Categories
Hellwig Courts Full on Labor Day 2022

Categories
Pickleball, anyone?



The Woodbridge Pickleball Club was well-represented at Stonebridge’s Fall Festival! From 11am-4:30pm, at least two dozen club members staffed the booth, played demo games, ran mini-intro-to-pickleball lessons, and built excitement around pickleball in Prince William County.
Directly behind the booth, the club set up a temporary court allowing festival-goers to grab a paddle and try dinking or even a full game! It’s amazing how some folks who have never played pickleball can so quickly pick up on the game and play some intense rallies. They’re absolutely hooked so look forward to seeing them on the courts soon!
Thank you to our many volunteers who spent their Saturday promoting the sport of pickleball!
Pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in the U.S. according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), with the growth of the sport surging by nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2021. Between 2018 and 2021, the USA Pickleball Association’s membership nearly doubled, and the organization estimates that 4.8 million Americans now play the sport.
If you’re an avid pickleball player or are looking to join the fun of playing this popular sport, Prince William County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has plenty of court options for you.
In 2020, Prince William County opened eight new dedicated pickleball courts at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo building in Woodbridge. In addition, you can find six dedicated pickleball courts at George Hellwig Memorial Park and six courts at Veterans Memorial Park—four dedicated pickleball courts and two lined over a tennis court with portable nets.
If you’re not familiar with the sport, pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors, as singles or doubles. It is easy for beginners to learn but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. No doubt the game has developed a passionate following due to its friendly, social nature and its multi-generational appeal.
“Fun, fitness and friends” is how Woodbridge Pickleball Club President, Nick Katsarelis, would describe the game. “Pickleball is half social, half physical. It’s a very social, friendly game but it’s also good exercise—a nice, leisurely workout.”
At the A.J. Ferlazzo pickleball courts, which has become a popular place to play since it opened, you can find small groups but also sometimes upwards of 40-50 people rotating in and out to play.
Katsarelis notes that while there’s a mix of each type of player at all of the Prince William County courts, at Veterans Park you can find many social and recreational players; at Hellwig a lot of recreational players; and at A.J. Ferlazzo you can find a mix of both, as well as your more competitive players if that’s what you’re look for. At Hellwig, they host a ladies’ night on Monday evenings at 6 p.m., and a beginner’s night on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at A.J. Ferlazzo.
No matter where you play though, he adds “if you play it twice, you’re going to be addicted.”
If you’re looking to improve your skills or learn the game as a beginner, we’re currently offering one-on-one instruction, either private or semi-private lessons. The summer session ends August 31, but spots are still available. The fall session begins September 5 and runs through December 30. A session consists of four 60-minute lessons for $160.00 or one-hour private lessons for $55.00 per person. All lessons are held outdoors, weather permitting.
To learn more or sign up for the ‘Pickleball Skills, Drills & More” lessons please contact the front desk at Veterans Memorial Park.
Two Hours with “The Badger”, Dave Weinbach
10 Time USA Pickleball National Champion
12 Time US Open Champion
Winner of 152 Gold Medals (Most All Time)
2022 Nominee to the Pickleball Hall of Fame
Dinking, Non-Volley Zone Play, 3rd Shot Drop, 3rd Shot Drive, Blocking, Service / Return, Punch Volley, Transition Zone, Partner Strategy.
OPTION: Play With The Pro for an hour after your session.
Clinic: $115 for Woodbridge Pickleball Club members. $125 for Non-Members
Play with the Pro: $50 (option for up to 4 after their session)
We will be using SignUpGenius for this event. Click here to sign up.
PayPal, Venmo or Checks – Credit cards can be accepted through Paypal as a guest or contact us at via email to arrange payment.
Must pay in advance to secure your spot!
October 19, 2022
8:30 am to 10:30 am: Intermediate (3.0 – 3.5)
10:45 am to 11:45 am: Play With The Pro
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm: Intermediate / Advanced (3.5 – 4.5)
3:15 pm to 4:15 pm: Play With The Pro
Location: Dr A J Ferlazzo Building Courts, 15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Rain Location: Burke Racket & Swim Club, 6001 Burke Commons Rd, Burke, VA 22015
Sponsored by:
The Woodbridge Pickleball Club
We invite you to join the WPC for full-time play — or simply drop in to see what pickleball is about or to begin learning the game. If you’re just visiting the area, please feel free to come by and join the fun with us.
WPC members receive a 5% discount at www.pickleballcentral.com. Use discount code CRTWPC. Each time you use the discount, the WPC also receives a 5% credit to use on balls, etc.
WPC members receive a 5% discount at www.pickleballgalaxy.com. Use discount code WBPC55.
A.J. Ferlazzo Building
15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Veterans Memorial Park
14300 Veterans Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191
(Click for directions)