When the Springfield Community Center needed to meet growing demand for pickleball, they transformed two underused tennis courts into eight premium pickleball spaces. This real-world pickleball court construction project demonstrates how to maximize existing assets while addressing unique conversion challenges.

Project Overview

Location: Springfield, OH
Original Courts: 2 tennis courts (120'×60')
Conversion: 8 pickleball courts with shared fencing
Timeline: 6 weeks (May-June 2023)
Budget: $82,500 ($10,300 per pickleball court)

Pre-Conversion Assessment

Existing Conditions

• 15-year-old asphalt surfaces

• Minor cracking (3/8" maximum)

• Functional but faded line markings

• 10' chain link fencing

Key Conversion Challenges

1. Surface condition evaluation

2. Optimal court layout planning

3. Player traffic flow redesign

4. Lighting adjustment requirements

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

1. Surface Preparation (Week 1)

• Pressure washing (2500 PSI)

• Crack filling with rubberized sealant

• Asphalt leveling (1/4" tolerance)

2. Multi-Sport Surface Coating (Week 2-3)

• Applied 5mm cushioned acrylic system

• Color scheme:

  • Tennis: Traditional green (retained outer lines)

  • Pickleball: Blue playing surfaces

• Non-glare textured finish

3. Precision Line Striping (Week 4)

• Used laser-guided layout system

• Colors:

  • White: Permanent tennis lines

  • Yellow: Pickleball boundaries

• 2" wide thermoplastic markings

4. Net System Installation

• 6 permanent pickleball net posts

• 2 removable tennis net systems

• Center strap tension indicators

5. Fencing Modifications

• Added 4' interior dividers

• Installed 12' windscreens

• Upgraded gate hardware

6. Lighting Adjustments

• Re-aimed existing fixtures

• Added 4 LED spotlights

• Installed smart controls

Layout Optimization

Innovative Space Use:

• Created 8 pickleball courts (30'×60' each)

• Maintained 1 full tennis court

• Shared service alleys

• 360° player circulation paths

Safety Features:

• 10' buffer between pickleball courts

• Padded fence posts at corners

• Non-slip surface transitions

Cost Breakdown

Player Experience Enhancements

Dual-Sport Functionality:

• Clear visual separation of court types

• Dedicated storage for each sport

• Different surface textures

Accessibility Upgrades:

• ADA-compliant seating areas

• Wheelchair viewing platforms

• Contrasting edge markings

Post-Conversion Results

Usage Statistics (6 Months After):

• 420% increase in weekly players

• 92% user satisfaction rating

• 65/35 pickleball/tennis usage split

Maintenance Outcomes:

• 30% lower upkeep costs vs original

• Easier spot repairs

• Simplified line maintenance

Lessons Learned

What Worked Well:

• Retaining tennis capability

• Color-coded surface system

• Shared infrastructure savings

Improvements Needed:

• Better transition signage

• Additional gear storage

• Earlier community input

Expert Conversion Tips

1. Preserve Original Functionality
   Maintain at least one full tennis court if possible

2. Invest in Quality Surfacing
   The coating system makes or breaks playability

3. Prioritize Clear Demarcation
   Prevent confusion with bold, contrasting lines

4. Plan for Peak Demand
   Include queuing areas for popular times

5. Engage Players Early
   Gather input on layout preferences

Why Professional Conversion Matters

Specialized pickleball court construction teams provide:
✔ Correct surface slope maintenance
✔ Regulation-compliant dimensions
✔ Optimal material selection
✔ Seamless sport integration

Conclusion: Smart Asset Transformation

The Springfield project demonstrates how strategic conversions can breathe new life into underutilized facilities. By thoughtfully repurposing existing tennis courts, communities can cost-effectively meet pickleball demand while preserving multi-sport functionality.