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Pickleball surge, tournament court closures and pool pass details discussed at mayor's brown-bag
Summary
Mayor Chad Emerick said pickleball participation has surged and that an FOP tournament will close Jackson Park tennis courts this weekend; he also announced Jackson Pool passes for the 2026 season go on sale Friday, with a Vienna family-of-four pass at $175.
At an open brown-bag session, Mayor Chad Emerick addressed growing public interest in pickleball, scheduled tournaments that will require temporary court closures, and the city’s aquatics programs.
Emerick said pickleball participation "has been incredible" and noted an upcoming FOP pickleball tournament will use multiple courts. He provided an event-game estimate in conversation—residents gave numbers ranging from roughly 424 games and use of 12 courts—and said Jackson Park's tennis courts will be closed from the tournament’s start through Sunday to allow setup and play.
On municipal aquatics, Emerick said Jackson Pool is being prepared for the season by an outside contractor and pool passes for the 2026 season will go on sale Friday. He confirmed pool pricing is unchanged and gave an example: "Vienna residents, a family of 4, is $175," with an additional $25 per extra family member.
Emerick described expanded aquatics offerings, including public Aqua Zumba sessions (18+) and senior-specific aquatic programming for residents 55 and older, and said senior center staff coordinate sign-ups for age-restricted activities.
Residents were encouraged to check the Jackson Pool Facebook page and the pool facility for full price lists and to book pool parties starting May 1; Emerick said pool-party slots book quickly.
