Fairfax County officials will start replacing the tennis courts at Jefferson District Park next week using a new, longer-lasting form of concrete.
Construction is expected to begin Monday, Aug. 24 on the Fairfax County Park Authority’s complete replacement of courts No.1 through No. 8 at the Idylwood park (7900 Route 29).
The existing courts, like most of the 400-plus athletic courts across the county, were constructed with asphalt. Park Authority spokesperson Andy Grabel says asphalt has “a relatively short lifespan.”
“Over time, asphalt surfaces crack, heave, and become increasingly difficult to maintain, requiring full reconstruction on a recurring cycle,” he said. “For decades, we have continually balanced and reprioritized these reconstruction needs across the countywide system.”
Rather than reconstructing the existing courts with asphalt, the county is using post-tensioned concrete on the new ones. The concrete incorporates rebar and post-tension steel to reinforce the material and help it stand up better to compression.
According to Grabel, post-tensioned concrete is widely used in high-demand athletic facilities and will extend the lifecycle of the courts. The Jefferson District Park courts are among the most heavily used courts in the county.
The new concrete comes at a higher price tag. The project is expected to cost about $1.68 million compared to an $816,000 cost for traditional asphalt.
However, the concrete comes with a 50-year warranty and is projected to save the county around $780,000 in maintenance costs over that period, Grabel says.
“In short, while the initial investment is higher, the long‑term financial and operational benefits are significant,” Grabel said. “The improved durability, reduced cracking, and extended lifecycle will provide a more reliable playing surface for decades, ensuring Jefferson District’s courts remain safe, attractive, and playable for the community.”
The project is being completed by Field Turf USA and will take around 10 weeks.
During construction, the entire tennis complex and the park’s playground will be closed. The basketball courts will remain open. Construction workers will also use the majority of the lower parking lot near the golf maintenance shop for staging and construction.
“Visitors may experience increased construction traffic and noise and should use caution when visiting the park,” the park authority warned in a press release.
To find alternative tennis courts or playgrounds, the county recommends using the Park Amenity Locator.
