Image courtesy of Cedar Point Sports Center
Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity across the U.S., attracting a diverse audience of all ages and skill levels. As a result, sports facilities and venues are seeing an increasing demand for dedicated pickleball courts. The beauty of the sport lies in its adaptability, and with the right approach, nearly any hard surface can be transformed into a pickleball court. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of converting existing spaces into pickleball courts, covering different conversion strategies, ideal surface types, necessary equipment, and the steps involved in the transformation.
Why Convert to Pickleball Courts?
Pickleball offers a versatile, easy-to-learn, and fun alternative to more traditional sports like tennis or basketball. It takes up less space than other courts and can fit into various environments. Whether your facility is looking to expand offerings for recreational users, host pickleball tournaments, or attract new memberships, converting underused spaces into pickleball courts can create a valuable revenue stream.
Types of Spaces to Convert
Converting existing sports spaces into pickleball courts can save you time and money. The following areas in your facility are ideal for pickleball conversion:
Tennis Courts
Tennis courts are one of the easiest areas to repurpose for pickleball. A standard tennis court can fit up to four pickleball courts, maximizing space efficiency. Since the surface is similar to a standard pickleball court, few modifications are needed.
Basketball/Volleyball Courts
Basketball and volleyball courts, especially those indoors, can be easily converted by laying down temporary boundary lines and setting up portable nets. A standard basketball court can fit around 3 pickleball courts. This is a great option for facilities with multipurpose courts.
Unused Gymnasiums or Event Spaces
If your facility has a gym or event space that is underused, you can easily convert it into multiple pickleball courts with the right equipment. This option gives you flexibility in how you utilize your space based on your schedule and demand.
Best Surface Types for Pickleball
Selecting the appropriate surface is crucial for creating a good pickleball experience. Here are the best surfaces for both temporary and permanent pickleball courts:
Acrylic Sports Surface
This is the gold standard for pickleball courts, often used in professional facilities. It’s durable, provides good traction, and allows for consistent ball bounce. It’s ideal for long-term installations.
Concrete or Asphalt
Many outdoor courts use concrete or asphalt, which is cost-effective and easy to maintain. A special sports coating can be applied to reduce slipperiness and increase durability.
Wood
Indoor gym floors made of wood can also work well for pickleball, offering a smooth and consistent surface. However, it might require more maintenance over time, particularly if it’s a multi-use space.
Synthetic/Multipurpose Surfaces
If your facility uses synthetic or rubber surfaces for other sports, they can also double as pickleball courts. These are softer on the joints but may cause the ball to bounce slightly lower than on harder surfaces.
Equipment Needed for Pickleball Court Conversion
To convert any space into a pickleball court, you’ll need the right tools and equipment. Here’s a list of essentials (and one non-essential):
Pickleball Nets
Regulation pickleball nets should be 34 inches high at the center and 36 inches high at the sidelines. You can purchase permanent or portable nets depending on your space requirements.
Court Marking Equipment
For temporary setups, use tape or court-lining kits to draw the boundaries of the court. For permanent conversions, consider painting the lines or using a synthetic court surfacing system. The court dimensions for pickleball are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
Paddles and Balls
Stock your facility with durable pickleball paddles and indoor/outdoor balls to cater to your patrons. You’ll want to have enough equipment to supply all participants. If outdoors, you may need to require players to use the new quiet pickleball paddles.
(Optional) Court Fencing
Outdoor courts or courts in high-traffic areas may require fencing to keep balls from going out of bounds. Fencing also helps create a more professional and defined play area.
Steps to Convert a Space into a Pickleball Court
Here is a step-by-step guide to converting a space into one or multiple pickleball courts:
Step 1: Assess the Space
Begin by evaluating the existing space. Measure the area and decide how many pickleball courts it can accommodate. A standard court is 20×44 feet, with a minimum recommended clearance of 10 feet around all sides to allow players to move freely.
Step 2: Choose a Surface
Based on the space type, determine whether the surface needs to be resurfaced, coated, or simply marked. Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts may only need line adjustments and temporary nets, while other spaces may require more involved planning to function well as a pickleball court.
Step 3: Mark the Courts
According to USA Pickleball, “Lines can be made with chalk, tape, paint, or even crayons, but generally tape is the best option for DIY.” For permanent courts, apply paint or a long-lasting coating to mark the playing areas.
Step 4: Install Nets
If converting tennis or volleyball courts, you may already have a net structure in place, but it will need adjustment. Ensure the net is at the regulation height for pickleball (36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the center). For other areas, set up portable nets that can easily be assembled and disassembled.
Step 5: Add Accessories
Ensure the courts are fully equipped with balls, paddles, and seating areas for players to rest. If your space allows for it, consider adding bleachers or additional seating for spectators.
Step 6: Market Your New Courts
Once your courts are ready, promote them to your current members and the broader community. Hosting open play days, leagues, or tournaments is a great way to build excitement and attract new players.
Converting spaces into pickleball courts is a smart investment that opens up new opportunities for sports facilities. Whether you’re repurposing existing tennis courts, unused gyms, or creating entirely new outdoor spaces, pickleball courts can be a versatile and popular addition. With the right surface, equipment, and layout, you can transform your facility into a pickleball destination that keeps patrons coming back for more.
If your sports facility is considering pickleball court conversion and needs expert guidance, The Sports Facilities Companies can help you every step of the way. From design consultation to facility management, we can help provide your community with a new space to play pickleball together.
