Turning an existing space into a pickleball paradise is more than just laying down some lines and calling it a day.
At Johns Design & Consulting (JDC), we've encountered and overcome countless challenges in transforming spaces into world-class pickleball facilities. Whether you’re starting with a blank slate or retrofitting a space with rich history, we've learned that success lies in anticipating and solving problems before they impact your bottom line.
First, Understanding Your Space Options
When evaluating potential spaces for a pickleball facility, you'll typically encounter two main categories:
Vanilla or White Box Spaces
Essentially blank slates with concrete floors and drywall
Generally allow for straightforward build-outs
Offer maximum flexibility in design and layout
Typically require less extensive modifications
Existing Spaces Requiring Renovations
Previously used for other purposes
May need extensive modifications
Can present unique challenges but also opportunities
Existing features like mezzanines or private rooms could become assets
Floor Challenges: The Foundation Of Your Success (Or Failure)
The floor is the first, and often most critical, challenge we tackle in any build-out. It's quite literally the foundation of your facility's success, and unfortunately, it's where we usually encounter the most expensive surprises.
A recent project illustrated this challenge when we discovered multiple layers of concrete flooring dating back decades. We had to grind down high spots and pour self-leveling concrete into depressions, which delayed the project by weeks. Luckily, we spotted this issue before signing the lease and budgeted accordingly.
This is a common challenge in older urban markets like NYC, where buildings often have complex structural histories. If you're planning a facility in an established urban area, factor in extra time and money for floor remediation in your financial pro forma. We typically recommend adding 20-30% to your build-out timeline and budget compared to new construction.
Here's what makes floor challenges particularly tricky:
Hidden Problems: Even pristine-looking floors might be hiding serious issues underneath. We've seen cases where carpeted or otherwise covered floors concealed problems that threatened entire projects with unexpected costs.
Precision Requirements: Pickleball demands more than just a flat surface–it needs a precisely level foundation for consistent ball bounce and player safety and comfort. Even minor imperfections can affect gameplay.
Complex Solutions: Sometimes, fixing floor issues means more than just resurfacing. In some cases, where we’re dealing with hidden issues and multiple layers of concrete, we have to come up with complex, multi-step solutions to make the space work.
So how do you avoid (or plan for) floor challenges?
Never, ever skip a detailed floor inspection before signing a lease.
This single step has saved our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected costs. We partner with specialized contractors who understand the unique demands of pickleball courts, and with a detailed inspection report in hand, prospective owners can be confident in their budget planning and even use inspection findings to negotiate better lease terms.
Electrical & Plumbing Challenges: Timing Is Everything
Next to flooring, electrical and plumbing work present some of the trickiest pickleball facility build-out challenges.
The biggest challenge here is timing. All electrical, plumbing, and lighting work needs to be completed before your courts go in.
Here's a costly lesson we've seen new owners learn the hard way: running scissor lifts over finished courts to adjust lighting or wiring will damage your court surface. That's why at JDC, we insist on detailed electrical planning upfront with our general contractors.
Common electrical and plumbing challenges include:
Routing Complexity: Pickleball facilities need specific electrical paths for court lighting, sound systems, and video cameras
Plumbing Modifications: Cutting through concrete for bathrooms and hydration stations must be done strategically
Surface Impact: Improperly patched concrete from plumbing work can affect ball bounce and gameplay
Access Issues: Future maintenance needs must be considered without compromising court surfaces
So how do we solve these challenges?
Our approach is simple but effective: Plan twice, cut once. Before any construction begins, we:
Create detailed electrical plans showing exactly where every wire needs to run
Map out plumbing pathways to minimize concrete cutting
Work with specialized contractors who understand how their work affects court play
Install all overhead systems before court surfacing begins
Lighting & Sound Challenges: The Most Common Complaints
Lighting
Lighting is the number one complaint we hear in existing pickleball facilities. Standard gym lighting simply doesn’t cut it in pickleball.
Harsh overhead or inadequate lighting causes some very specific problems in pickleball, such as:
Uneven light distribution that create bright and dark spots on courts
Shadows that interfere with gameplay
Glare affecting player visibility
Overhead placement that interferes with lobs
Good lighting is so important that Ben and Collin Johns, owners of JDC, require a specific lighting array be installed in all JDC certified facilities. After seeing numerous facilities struggle with bad lighting, they partnered with LSI Lighting to create a customized lighting array specifically for pickleball.
JDC’s innovative lighting array features:
Off-court positioning with lights pointed inward
Specialized diffusers ensuring even distribution
High foot candles for optimal visibility
Strategic placement to eliminate shadows
Sound
Sound mitigation is another major challenge, especially in mixed-use buildings or facilities near residential areas.
The distinctive "pop" of pickleball can quickly become a nuisance to neighbors if not properly managed. And even if it’s not loud outside, you still need to think of player experience inside.
Converting existing spaces presents unique sound challenges, such as:
High ceilings with metal decking that amplify and reflect sound
Thin demising walls between retail spaces that weren't designed for sports use
HVAC systems and ductwork that can carry sound to neighboring tenants
Hard, reflective surfaces throughout that create echo chambers
Local noise ordinances that may require specific decibel levels
We work with our trusted sound mitigation experts to find solutions that may include:
Strategic use of acoustic panels on walls and ceilings
Specialized insulation in walls and between structural elements
Sound-absorbing materials that complement court surfaces
Layout optimization to minimize noise transfer
Modified HVAC systems to prevent sound travel
Sometimes, the best solution is a standalone building rather than a multi-tenant space, so that you have more flexibility for sound management. This is particularly important in mixed-use urban areas where you're likely to have residential neighbors.
JDC Has Expert Solutions For Complex pickleball facility build-out Challenges
Build-out challenges will always exist, but with proper planning and expertise, they don't have to derail your project. The key is identifying potential issues early and having proven solutions ready.
JDC’s success in tackling build-out challenges comes from our extensive network of trusted specialists and our hands-on experience transforming spaces across the country. We have established relationships with some key partners in the industry, including LSI Lighting, PodPlay Technologies, Joola Pickleball, Acrytech (Cushion X), and sound mitigation experts. JDC works directly with your contractor, architect, and our partners to ensure a seamless build-out process.
Partner with JDC to ensure your project is built right from the ground up. Book a consultation with our team today to learn how we can help transform your space into a pickleball paradise.
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