From Courts to Programming: Creating an Ideal Pickleball Experience

By Robert McDonald?

Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.

Currently, the sport of pickleball is exploding in popularity. There are now nearly 8,500 locations on the USA Pickleball’s Places2Play map. The spread of the sport is attributed to its popularity within community centers, PE classes, YMCA facilities, and retirement communities.

Staying up to date on industry trends can help facility managers design new and improved pickleball centers that will attract new members. Top trends in pickleball facility design include:

1. Outdoor courts with shade structures and lighting: Outdoor courts have become more popular, especially in areas with year-round warm weather. Shade structures and lighting make playing outside more comfortable and safer, allowing play during the day and at night.
2. Increased space requirements: Larger facilities are being constructed to accommodate the growing number of players, including indoor and outdoor spaces that include several courts, restrooms, locker rooms, and amenities such as lounges, pro shops, and dining options.
3. Improved court surfaces and equipment: Improved court surfaces, such as cushioned surfaces, are becoming more popular, along with quality pickleball equipment such as high-end paddles and balls.

Designing pickleball centers that incorporate these trends can attract new members, but also expanding programming is key to keeping members engaged. Some ways to increase programming include:

1. Offering lessons, mixers, and leagues: Facilities can offer different types of events and leagues to cater to different skill levels and player preferences. Court assignments can be made at random, and winners can move on, while losers stay put.
2. Hosting tournaments: Tournaments are a great way to attract players and promote the facility. Different tournaments can be hosted, such as open, women's, and men's events, as well as local and regional tournaments.
3. Incorporating social and entertainment activities: Combining pickleball with social and entertainment activities can be a great way to attract players and keep them engaged. This can include activities such as food and drinks, socializing, and live music.

When designing courts to accommodate this rapidly growing sport and trends,?it’s important to think about any requirements and potential issues that could arise. Some space requirements and design issues we take into consideration are circulation and flow, noise, lighting, clubhouse amenities and location, ball control with fences, benches, hydration and shade.

Overall, pickleball is a sport that has been around for over 50 years and continues to grow in popularity. Facility managers who stay up to date with industry trends and incorporate these trends into their design and programming can attract new members and keep existing ones engaged.

If you’re interested in discussing pickleball amenities for your community, please reach out to us at?[email protected]?for more information. We'd be happy to answer any questions you have!