If you’re considering incorporating pickleball into your fitness center or commercial real estate property, what are the do’s and don’t’s, and how can you spot any potential pitfalls in time?
Pickleball courts are cropping up everywhere these days, although experts believe the sport has still yet to meet its ceiling.
Surging Popularity
As we have read many times, pickleball’s surging popularity means it is now the fastest-growing sport in America, with participants doubling to 8.9 million between 2021 and 2022. But is it a wise investment?
The U.S. reportedly needs an additional 25,000 courts, requiring a $900 million investment to meet the current demand.
Aquila recently joined the trend by converting an existing rooftop basketball facility into a pickleball court. The transition was smooth, given pre-existing pickleball lines on the court, requiring minimal adjustments with removable tape.
Additional investments included a quality net, paddles, and balls, easily managed through their existing software system for 60-minute court reservations. The overall process of getting pickleball up and running proved cost-effective and straightforward.
A Strategic Decision
The new pickleball facility is accessible to existing gym members.
At the same time, nonmembers pay a nominal fee for access, a strategic decision considering the lack of other pickleball courts in the area. This move aims to increase exposure for the center, anticipating a growth in the membership roster as the news spreads.
The Pros…
Pickleball holds various business advantages:
1. Diverse Age Appeal: Pickleball’s universal appeal is evident, attracting players of all ages, from 18 to 65 and older.
2. Easy Play: With a small court and less skill demand compared to tennis, pickleball accommodates players of all skill levels, a key element of its universal popularity.
3. Simple Setup and Maintenance: Minimal requirements, such as a tape measure, tape or chalk for court lines, and a portable net, make setting up pickleball easy.
4. Utilization of Underutilized Spaces: Empty basketball or tennis courts and unused office or retail spaces can be converted into pickleball courts, attracting those working remotely.
5. Indoor and Outdoor Versatility: Whether indoors or outdoors, pickleball can be played on various surfaces, making it adaptable to different settings.
… And Cons
However, it’s also essential to be aware of the challenges:
1. Space Requirements: Despite being smaller than a tennis court, pickleball still requires a significant space of 44 feet by 20 feet.
2. High Demand: The growing demand for pickleball may result in long waitlists and necessitate an effective scheduling system.
3. Noise Concerns: The sport’s expansion has led to increased noise complaints. Consideration for noise mitigation, especially in shared indoor spaces, is crucial.
In conclusion, while pickleball offers a promising return on investment, careful consideration of its pros and cons is crucial.
A company like Aquila can provide insights into the feasibility and benefits of introducing pickleball and other offerings into your space.
These two articles – from Global Pickleball Network and EZ Facility – can also help you with your decision-making.
About Our Sponsor
iROCKER – LIVE YOUR LIFE ON THE WATER™
iROCKER is dedicated to crafting the highest quality paddle boards and outdoor gear on the market. As pickleball players, we’re often geared toward trying to find the best way of improving ourselves on the court, and it can be difficult at times to draw parallels to activities outside of that environment that can also impact your game.
We’ve found that paddle boarding contains a lot of similar health benefits to pickleball, from creating fulfilling social environments to improving your strength and balance through physical activity. iROCKER’s paddle boards offer pickleball players the perfect off-court activity for enjoying the outdoors and staying healthy. Check out their website for more information.
