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When it comes to sports and athletic programming, don’t count out the quiet, yet growing game of pickleball. Designed and invented in the western United States, what was once a hobby to some is now a national pastime.

As more recreational centres, schools, clubs and senior living communities jump on the pickleball train, for those not yet initiated in the sport, there are a few things that need to be considered. Much like designing, planning and installing any new sport surface, arena or stadium, facility operators and planners must know the complete details of what it is they have been tasked to deliver. Especially if it is something as uncommon as the great sport of pickleball.

Lay Out Your Space

This section is entirely dependent on your current situation - what you have available and how it can be properly utilized. In many cases, pickleball courts are installed on top of old or out-dated tennis courts, which can make this step easier.

For the uninitiated, pickleball courts are much smaller than tennis courts, to the tune of roughly 25 percent the size of a regulation tennis court. This means, you can fit four pickleball courts on top of one full-size tennis court. Technically speaking, pickleball courts measure 20 feet by 44 feet for both single and doubles play, so be sure you have at least that amount of space available for construction.

Surfacing

If you know a good concrete, asphalt or composite-surfacing person, any of them can help you out with surfacing your new pickleball court.

The traditional choices are obviously asphalt and concrete, but other materials such as snap-together plastic are also becoming popular. Quality and durability-wise, go with concrete if it can work within your budget.

Orientation

This is one factor that many who have little experience designing outdoor sporting courts will need to pay attention to. Always ensure your court is positioned in a north-to-south direction as this will alleviate obstruction of player’s eyesight from sunlight and any shadows cast onto the court.