For the fourth year in a row, pickleball was crowned the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. The enormous popularity comes from its exciting pace, social atmosphere, and accessibility to players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball can be played on both outdoor and indoor courts, with each requiring specific surface and design considerations.
If you’re looking to jump on the trend and build some pickleball courts for your campus or community without breaking the bank, then look no further – Pro Track and Tennis has you covered. When planning a new court, it’s important to understand official pickleball court dimensions to ensure proper gameplay and compliance with standards.
Ready to build your pickleball court? Let’s talk today!
Introduction to Pickleball: Why the Sport is Booming on Campuses and in Communities
Pickleball is taking the country by storm, and it’s easy to see why. This fast-paced sport blends the best elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, creating a game that’s both easy to learn and endlessly engaging. Played on a dedicated pickleball court with a low net and lightweight paddles, pickleball is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. The use of plastic balls keeps the game lively but manageable, making it a favorite for everyone from college students to retirees.
The surge in popularity has led to a dramatic increase in the construction of pickleball courts across the United States, with over 8 million players now enjoying the sport. Outdoor pickleball courts are especially in demand, offering a cost-effective way for schools, parks, and communities to provide a fun, social, and healthy activity. Whether you’re looking to boost campus life or create a new hub for community engagement, investing in a pickleball court is a smart move that brings people together and keeps them active.
Why Pickleball Courts Are the Perfect Addition for Universities and Communities
Pickleball is inclusive, low-impact, and fun for people of all ages, making it a great fit for universities, parks, clubs, and recreational facilities.
At schools and universities, pickleball encourages student engagement, promotes wellness, and supports intramural and recreational programming.
Meanwhile, at community centers and parks, pickleball creates an easy way to bring people together and promote an active lifestyle.
When planning to build a pickleball court, it’s important to consider how much space is needed. The official court size is 20 feet by 44 feet, but you should also ensure there is enough space around the court—typically at least 10 feet on each end and 5 feet on each side—for safe movement and enjoyable play.
As pickleball rapidly grows, people across the country are starting to seek out courts – so it could be the perfect time to build some. Fortunately, installation is easy and affordable.
👉 See how pickleball could look in your community
Understanding Your Options: Pickleball Court Surfaces Explained
Choosing the right pickleball court surface is a key step in building a court that stands the test of time and delivers a great playing experience. The most common options for pickleball court surfaces are asphalt, concrete, and acrylic. Asphalt is a popular choice for outdoor pickleball courts thanks to its durability and budget-friendly installation. Concrete offers a smoother, more consistent playing surface and can be finished with a variety of color coatings to match your facility’s style.
For those seeking extra comfort and safety, acrylic surfaces—especially cushioned or shock-absorbing systems—are becoming increasingly popular. These surfaces help reduce player fatigue and minimize the risk of injury, making them ideal for high-traffic courts. When selecting a court surface, consider your local climate, maintenance needs, and overall budget. The right choice will ensure your pickleball court remains safe, attractive, and enjoyable for years to come.
Our Affordable Pickleball Court Construction Process
Backed by decades of experience and a reputation for professionalism, we specialize in building and resurfacing pickleball courts that look great, play better, and stay within your budget.
Our streamlined approach consistently ensures maximum value without compromising on quality. Here’s how we do it:
- Site Preparation – We evaluate your site, address grading or drainage needs, and ensure the base is solid and level. Accurate marking and preparation of the court area according to official guidelines is essential. Before applying coatings, we use an acrylic resurfacer to smooth and level the pavement, fill low spots, and enhance adhesion for subsequent layers.
- Drainage Solutions – We install long-lasting drainage systems to prevent pooling, extending the life of the court.
- Court Surfacing & Striping – Select from a range of surfacing materials, including acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, and cushioned options, each offering benefits like durability, slip resistance, and weather resistance. Cushioned pickleball court surfaces are available for added comfort and shock absorption, reducing player fatigue and injury risk. We use factory-mixed surfacing products for consistent quality and easy application. High-quality paint is applied for court striping and surface coatings, ensuring crisp lines, durability, and excellent visibility. Proper pickleball court surfacing is crucial for long-term durability and optimal playability, and choosing the right playing surfaces is key for safety and performance.
- Net & Post Installation – We complete the court with high-quality, durable nets and posts.
After thousands of successful builds, our in-house teams run like clockwork. We always coordinate around your schedule to minimize disruption to your community.
Careful planning of the overall construction, including fencing and lighting, ensures your court is safe, functional, and ready for play.
👉 Get a free quote for your pickleball court
Designing Your Outdoor Pickleball Court: Accessories and Enhancements
A well-designed outdoor pickleball court goes beyond the basics to create a comfortable and enjoyable playing environment. Adding permanent net posts ensures stability and a professional feel, while portable net systems offer flexibility for multi-use spaces. Shade structures are a popular enhancement, providing relief from the sun and making the court more inviting during hot weather—especially important in sunny regions like Southern California.
Lighting systems extend playtime into the evening, and thoughtful court accessories such as benches, ball holders, and scorekeepers can elevate the overall experience. Don’t forget to plan for proper drainage to protect your court surface from water damage and ensure consistent playability. Considering wind direction and sun exposure during the design phase will also help maximize comfort and performance for players. With the right accessories and enhancements, your outdoor pickleball court will become a favorite destination for players of all ages.
Why Pro Track and Tennis is the Leading Choice for Affordable Pickleball Courts
Pro Track and Tennis is the leading choice for universities, schools, and municipalities across the Midwest and Southern U.S. seeking affordable pickleball court builders.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Experienced In-House Team – No subcontractors means tighter, consistent timelines and higher-quality results. Our expertise and streamlined process help reduce costs for clients without sacrificing quality.
✅ Tailored Solutions – We design every court to match your budget, goals, and available space. Project requirements and costs may vary depending on factors like site conditions, court size, and client preferences, so we provide solutions customized to your needs.
✅ Broad Regional Experience – From Montana to Ohio to Texas, we’ve built courts that stand the test of time and climate.
👉 See our portfolio of completed projects | Our Services
Cost-Effective Construction for Long-Term Durability
Just so we’re clear: affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners. We strike the right balance between budget and longevity by using proven construction methods and durable materials sourced from the sport surfacing industry, ensuring high-quality results.
Our pickleball courts are:
🧱 Built to Last – With proper care, our surfaces often last 10–15 years. Using asphalt or concrete as the base for outdoor courts provides cost-effective durability and stability.
🧽 Low Maintenance – Easy upkeep with minimal long-term costs. Do it yourselfers can benefit from easy-to-apply surfacing products, while official court surface options ensure compliance with recognized standards.
💡 A Smart Investment – Great ROI for community wellness, engagement, and recreation. Outdoor courts can be customized with a wide range of color choices to match your preferences.
Pickleball courts are space-efficient, and for an even more affordable solution, you can convert your existing facilities. A single tennis court can typically fit two or even four pickleball courts, maximizing your existing real estate without major expansion. Outdoor courts are especially suitable for these conversions, and installing permanent net posts enhances durability and provides a professional playing experience. Consider adding a fence for safety and ball containment, and explore different net system options—be sure to use nets with the correct mesh material for consistent play. For extended hours, you can install light, lights, or light poles to enable nighttime play. Sourcing materials in bulk can help manage shipping costs. When planning your outdoor court, a north south orientation is recommended to minimize sun glare. Other considerations, such as drainage, lighting, and ongoing maintenance, are also important for court longevity and optimal playability.
👉 Learn more about court maintenance services
Maintaining Your Pickleball Court: Tips for Longevity and Playability
Keeping your pickleball court in top condition is essential for safety, performance, and long-term value. Regular maintenance starts with routine cleaning to remove debris, dirt, and leaves that can affect the court surface. Inspect your court frequently for cracks, fading, or surface wear, and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage. For outdoor pickleball courts, it’s especially important to monitor the effects of weather—UV rays, rain, and temperature changes can all impact the playing surface over time.
The Benefits of Having a Pickleball Court on Campus or in Your Community
As facilities managers across the country know, a pickleball court can mean a lot more than just a playing surface. At its best, it becomes a hub for activity, connection, and healthy living in your local community – and given pickleball’s trending popularity, that’s something you don’t want to miss.
After installing new courts, our clients mention how much they love:
🏃 Increased activity among students and residents
⌚ Frequent use and lots of positive traffic
👫 New opportunities for community interaction
🏆 Flexible spaces for events, tournaments, and casual play
💡 Proper lighting and thoughtful court design allow students and residents to play pickleball even in the evenings, increasing court usage and accessibility.
👉 Discover how a pickleball court can benefit your community
Client Testimonials: Hear From Our Happy Customers
“We were working with a tight budget, but Pro Track delivered a beautiful, professional-grade pickleball court that exceeded all expectations.”
– University Facilities Director, Louisiana
“We needed a court that would serve everyone from seniors to kids, and Pro Track made it happen, on time and within budget.”
– Community Center Manager, Missouri
See how a comprehensive court resurfacing project transformed The City of Imperial’s multi-use courts into a vibrant and functional community space.
👉 Join our satisfied clients – contact us today!
Why Choose Pro Track and Tennis for Your Pickleball Court Installation?
From small-town parks to major universities, we’ve helped transform spaces into active, inclusive environments through quality pickleball court construction.
Here’s why you should choose us:
🛠️ Expertise You Can Trust – Decades of experience and hundreds of courts built
📏 Building Codes Compliance – We expertly navigate and comply with all local, city, and state building codes to ensure your pickleball court meets every regulation
🎯 Custom Surfacing Options – Choose from acrylic, rubberized, or cushioned surfaces
👷 In-House Crews – Skilled, consistent workmanship from our dedicated team
🗺️ Proven Success – With a broad project portfolio across the Midwest and Southern U.S.
Learn more about pickleball courts 👉 Get started on your pickleball court today!
Ready to Build Your Pickleball Court? Let’s Get Started!
If you’re considering a pickleball court for your school or community, now’s the perfect time to bring that idea to life.
Get in touch for a free site assessment, custom quote, or an expert consultation to help you navigate every step of the process with confidence.
