Pickleball Court Design: Maximizing Fun and Functionality

The Appeal of Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the hottest trends in recreation right now, and for good reason. It’s a welcoming sport that offers an abundance of fun. It’s known as a ‘game for everyone.’ Pickleball encourages physical activity to improve people’s fitness and wellness. As park designers, we see pickleball on the agenda for most of the park projects we work on.

The popular sport has gained the interest of a multi-generational crowd because it can decrease blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and encourage socialization. Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects, it’s a competitive sport that doesn’t take years of practice or technical lessons to enjoy.

To meet the demands of pickleball enthusiasts throughout Colorado, public and private agencies have worked hard to provide new or renovated pickleball courts to enhance the lives of their communities. As landscape architects and designers our job is to provide our clients with a sustainable, accessible, and functional design that supports all the benefits pickleball has to offer.   

DESIGN THAT ENHANCES THE PICKLEBALL EXPERIENCE

The long-term success of pickleball courts relies on courts that are properly designed and built. Designing for this sport calls for a unique set of technical skills similar to tennis court design. The courts should be built on a durable foundation that will last decades (most commonly post-tensioned concrete or asphalt), the size and striping should conform to USAPA guidelines, the fencing should provide enclosure to stop balls but not obstruct visibility and supervision, and the surfacing should provide positive traction to avoid injuries.

Beyond the courts, we must also consider the site and work with the challenges it may present. Accessibility and drainage are two key aspects of the site design. An accessible path must be provided from the parking and arrival areas so everyone can easily get to the courts. The site needs to be graded such that it provides positive drainage and minimizes water running onto the courts.

Pickleball is an incredibly social sport. Pickleballers tend to come in groups so a gathering and seating area with shade and court visibility is always appreciated. Other considerations include: whether the courts will be lighted, whether they are locked off hours, and what type of formal or informal reservation system is put in place.

CASE STUDIES

One of our recent projects, the Bear Valley Tennis and Pickleball Courts in Denver, Colorado, transformed a set of older courts into what are considered some of the City’s best public facilities. The tennis courts were renovated, and four pickleball courts were added at a separate court area. New fencing was included along the perimeters and between each court, and the tennis courts include new LED lighting. A gathering space with a shade pavilion allows visitors to stage for their next game or sit and watch games be played. The plaza space and walkways are made of permeable pavers which allow water to drain into an underground detention basin. This innovative approach to stormwater control was a result of the site’s limited space for above ground features.  

The new courts provide a facility that is cherished by the community of active tennis and pickleball players alike.

Another set of pickleball court construction is taking place through Castle Pines North Metro District in Castle Pines, Colorado at Coyote Ridge Park where a total of five new pickleball courts are replacing an aging skate park. Each court boasts its own seating area outside of the courts, including two with shade shelters to enhance the experience of others waiting their turn to play or socializing after a game. A sound dampening product has been added between one edge of the courts and their closest residential neighbors to the west.

Also underway in Castle Rock, Colorado is a project we’re working on which includes new tennis and pickleball courts at Butterfield Crossing Park. The park will be the home of two tennis courts and six pickleball courts that all include lighting. We worked with local pickleball enthusiasts to make sure the new courts provide the playability that the community requested. The pickleball courts are located adjacent to the parking lot for ease of access and supervision. The gathering space is large enough to provide a shade pavilion and enough additional space for small groups to get situated while waiting their turn to play.

It's no wonder pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. We’re thrilled to see how our local public and private agencies are supporting the sport and responding to the demand. It gives us joy designing facilities that are so well loved and valued among the community. If you feel your area needs pickleball courts, reach out to your local representatives to let them know. Chances are you’re not the first person to ask them about it. Good luck!