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Botetourt board reserves one tennis-only court at Buchanan amid pickleball debate
Summary
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 June 24 to reserve one of two refurbished courts at Buchanan Elementary for tennis practice and mark the other for shared tennis/pickleball use, a compromise prompted by concerns about player safety, court warranties and a newly formed James River High School girls tennis team.
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on June 24 to reserve one of two newly resurfaced courts at Buchanan Elementary for tennis practice and mark the other court for dual tennis and pickleball use, a compromise meant to balance growing community demand for pickleball with the needs of a new high school tennis program.
The decision follows public comment from James River High School coaches, players and parents who urged the board to keep at least one court free of overlaid pickleball lines so novice tennis players can learn without confusing markings. "Tennis and pickleball can coexist," said Brian White, head girls' tennis coach at James River, during the meeting's public comment period. "So to have overlay lines and to teach and coach this moving forward, it would be great to at least have one court just designated for tennis."
That request came after county staff and the court contractor warned that repeatedly applying and removing temporary pickleball tape could…
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