Prince William County has opened eight new pickleball courts at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge.
Many citizens have already been using the courts for a while, but a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony made things official, according to a Prince William County press release.
Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey attended the ceremony and talked about seeing people playing pickleball every day when she arrives at her office at the Ferlazzo Building.
“It’s such a refreshing and reviving thing to see because it lets me know that, in this uncertain time of COVID-19, people are taking care of their health, their hearts and their minds and most of all their spirits,” Bailey said.
The eight pickleball courts replaced several old tennis courts.
“They took a dilapidated recreational space and turned it into something beautiful. There is a huge demand for pickleball,” said Barbara Tyrrell, a USA Pickleball Assoication Woodbridge Ambassador.
J. Hall., now a professional pickleball player, said two 70-year-old women introduced him to pickleball when he was a firefighter in Manassas Park a couple of years ago, according to the press release.
“You see people [from ages] under eight to over 80. It also speaks to the cohesiveness of pickleball. It’s for everybody,” Hall said.
Hall, who goes by “Gizmo Pickleball” when he’s playing professionally, said pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
“It’s addictive point, blank, period.”
Pickleball is a sport invented in 1965 with a paddle and a ball played on what resembles a small tennis court.
“My introduction when people ask me, ‘What is pickleball?’ is I always tell them it’s like tennis and ping pong had a baby. This will generally get everybody to think and laugh about it, and at that point, I’ve got them just interested enough to… at least get them out to the court,” Hall said.
Woodbridge Pickleball Ambassador Nick Katsarelis said pickleball was born of a backyard game but has grown into much more.
“These courts are great. I have played on a variety of courts in different areas, and these match up with anything I have played on. They’re outstanding. They are fantastic,” Katsarelis said.
Katsarelis also added that the courts promote camaraderie among the seasoned players, who encourage others to learn the game.
“We do very well at trying to keep it open, mixing people, trying to make people feel comfortable and included, whatever skill level they are.”
The press release revealed that Prince William County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Director, Seth Hendler-Voss, also spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and said people don’t even need equipment when they encounter one of the Woodbridge Pickleball Ambassadors.
“Anyone who happens upon these courts is happening upon not just one ambassador, but hundreds of ambassadors … always willing to loan a paddle out and teach someone to play.”
Bailey said she was ready to meet the pickleball players on their turf.
“I am so excited about the opportunity to get out here and get to know you and let you teach me how to play.”
More information about parks, recreation, and tourism in Prince William County is available at pwcgov.org.
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Yang, a charming adult female lop-eared rabbit, is seeking a new home through the Prince William County Animal Shelter. With her soft white fur and sweet demeanor, Yang is ready to hop into the hearts of her new family.
At 1-3 years old and weighing around 15 pounds, Yang was surrendered by her previous owner and now needs a loving family to provide her with the care and companionship she deserves. Her short coat is easy to maintain, making her an ideal companion for anyone looking to add a furry friend to their life.
The Prince William County Animal Shelter is located at 14807 Bristow Road, near Manassas. Suppose you’re interested in adopting Yang or learning more about her. In that case, you can reach out to the shelter at (703) 792-6465 or visit their website at Prince William County Animal Shelter for additional details.
A Prince William County resident, Bethany Selvage, has her car back nearly two months after an unlicensed tow operator stole it, according to police. On January 2, 2025, Manassas City Police located Selvage’s 2018 Nissan Sentra.
Police have since charged Michael Tillman, owner of Tillman’s Auto Salon in Manassas, with a third felony offense related to illegal towing and demanding exorbitant fees for vehicle release. This charge represents the third vehicle Tillman is accused of stealing, and authorities say more charges are likely as they uncover years of him towing without a license.
In the most recent case, police say Tillman took a 2018 Toyota Yaris from the Raising Cane’s parking lot on Liberia Avenue just outside Manassas under false pretenses. The Yaris owners had contacted their insurance company, which arranged for a tow truck. Police said Tillman arrived before the legitimate tow company, misrepresented himself as the insurance company’s provider, and obtained the vehicle.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson delivered her annual State of the County address during the board’s organizational meeting on January 14, 2025. Jefferson reflected on the board’s achievements in 2024 and outlined priorities for the coming year, emphasizing collaboration, financial stewardship, and community investment.
Achievements in 2024
Jefferson highlighted the board’s bipartisan collaboration, leading to several major accomplishments:
Tax Reforms: A reduction in the real estate tax rate, offset by an increase in the business computer and peripheral (data center) tax rate to $3.70, the highest allowable rate. The board also extended the car tax deadline by 60 days to provide temporary relief to taxpayers.
Education Investments: A historic $105.1 million increase in contributions to Prince William County Schools, marking the largest year-over-year increase in the county’s history.
Public Safety Enhancements: Funding for additional police officers and medics, and the ratification of collective bargaining agreements with public safety personnel to improve recruitment and retention.
Preserving Fiscal Health: Maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating, a distinction held by only 53 counties nationwide and 12 in Virginia.
Two recent house fires in Prince William County displaced multiple families and highlighted the importance of fire safety measures. On January 14, a fire in Woodbridge damaged a home on Boatswain Circle, displacing five adults and three children. One adult was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Working smoke detectors and a closed bedroom door limited the fire’s spread and ensured the occupants’ safe evacuation.
On January 10, a fire on Harvey Road in Manassas destroyed a home while the occupants were away, displacing four adults. Firefighters battled challenging weather conditions to extinguish the flames. Both fires are under investigation, and the Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Fire officials emphasized the importance of maintaining working smoke detectors and practicing fire safety.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
