During the recent Henrico County Board of Supervisors meeting, community members presented a petition signed by 550 residents advocating for the establishment of badminton facilities in the area. The petitioners highlighted the growing popularity of badminton, an Olympic sport, which has seen a significant increase in participation over the past five to ten years.

Currently, badminton players in Henrico County have limited access to facilities, with only a few hours available each week at locations like Deep Run Recreation and Eastern Henrico Recreation Park. These facilities are often overcrowded and unavailable due to other commitments and programs.

The petitioners noted that there are nearly 500 active badminton players in the county who seek regular play opportunities. They pointed out that while Henrico County has made substantial investments in sports—allocating $4.4 million for pickleball and $1.1 million for other sports in 2024—there is a need for greater equity and inclusion for badminton.

The community members argued that badminton is a professional sport that requires dedicated practice time, similar to tennis and basketball. They emphasized that the lack of facilities forces local players to travel to nearby cities like Washington D.C. or Charlotte to find adequate playing opportunities.

The discussion underscored the importance of expanding sports facilities in Henrico County to accommodate the growing interest in badminton and support the development of local talent. The Board of Supervisors will consider the request as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities in the community.