The Rise of Pickleball: Designing Courts for Community Engagement

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America – for a good reason! It’s fun, social, fast-paced, and the rules are simple and easy for beginners to learn. The game is known as falling somewhere in between tennis, table tennis, and badminton. You play with paddles that are smaller than tennis rackets but larger than ping-pong paddles and aim for a hole-covered ball around the size of a baseball. Because of the approachable learning curve of the game, it appeals to young kids, older adults, and everyone in between. Now, it’s easier than ever to add pickleball to your park and rec spaces, and a no-brainer for family fun and community building.

Why Pickleball Is So Popular

As we briefly touched upon, pickleball has become so appealing in recent years because most anyone can play. Pickleball is a unique racket sport in that there is no steep learning curve, like with tennis. The ball itself is plastic like a wiffle ball, and the paddle is easier to handle because it’s lighter and shorter than a tennis racket. It’s also a bit slower paced, and extremely accessible. You can play indoors or out, and folks with mobility devices can join in on the fun. All that being said, it’s still a fantastic workout. Playing is great for your agility, as you’re moving in different planes, not just forward like when walking or cycling. Because most points in the game are won on a line 7 feet from the net, the game is inherently social, bringing people together.

Design Considerations for Pickleball Courts

Designing pickleball courts is fun and easy! They’re smaller than tennis courts, and in fact, you can draw your own court easily on asphalt. In case you’re looking for a more permanent option, here are some design considerations:

• Standalone Courts vs. Multi-Use Spaces: Pickleball can be played nearly anywhere, and many communities are converting existing tennis or basketball courts into multi-use courts to support pickleball. This may be a viable solution for your community, or you may choose to build a new, dedicated area for pickleball.
• Surface Materials: Like any athletic court, proper surfacing is important to protect players from injuries. When installing a court, we recommend high-quality athletic tile flooring over asphalt or concrete coated with acrylic.
• Court Layout: Pickleball courts have specific dimensions, contained within a 44 ft by 20 ft space. USA Pickleball provides a court diagram with the correct specifications to lay out a temporary or permanent court.
• Amenities: When installing an athletic court, especially outdoors, proper amenities are important to keep players comfortable and provide a break from the game. Benches, shade structures, nearby restrooms, and water fountains are a few key options to consider.

Read more: Most Popular Outdoor Game Courts

Maximizing Community Engagement

Pickleball is booming, and just putting a court in your community park will draw people of all ages in. On top of your new installation, there are several ways to increase community engagement and invite new and experienced players to come together for opportunities to play.

• Host tournaments or rec leagues: Putting together a community tournament is a fantastic way to create an environment where the pickleball curious can learn from more experienced players. Setting up a rec league has the same effect and creates a healthy routine for community members, as well as a lower pressure, collaborative way to learn the game.
• Incorporate pickleball into programs: Because pickleball is easy to learn, it is an ideal option for wellness programs or after-school activities. By providing a good workout with a low barrier to entry, we’d argue it’s one of the best options for a variety of programs for all ages.
• Design adjacent spaces: By adding one or several alternative amenities near your pickleball court, you can create a space that keeps people coming and spending whole days at your park. Restrooms, shaded areas, playgrounds, other sport courts, and outdoor fitness equipment are just a few ideas.
• Customize: Customization has the power to make your court a local landmark. Use vibrant colors, a beloved community symbol, or a relevant logo to foster community pride.

Adding a pickleball court is a simple, effective way to boost physical activity, encourage social interaction, and create a more vibrant community space. Whether you’re updating an existing rec area or building something brand new, pickleball is a flexible option with a big return on investment.

If you’re ready to get started, our team is here to help, from design and surfacing to funding support and installation. Browse our pickleball surfacing options here, and if you’re ready to jump right in, connect with our team for a free conversation.