As pickleball continues its explosive growth, what worked two years ago—like putting lines down on tennis courts—isn't what will drive people to pay to play pickleball today. Modern players expect dedicated facilities that not only offer a great place to play but also build a strong sense of community.
Facility owners face a critical choice: create thoughtfully designed spaces that will thrive for years to come, or risk being left behind as player expectations continue to evolve.
The difference often comes down to getting the details right—from court dimensions and lighting to social spaces and amenities that transform a collection of courts into a thriving pickleball community.
At JDC, we've refined the art and science of pickleball facility design. Our approach combines deep industry expertise with practical insights from professional players, Ben and Collin Johns, who understand firsthand what makes a facility exceptional.
The Evolution of Facility Design
While governing bodies offer general recommendations, there's no universal standard for pickleball facility design. This can create confusion for new facility owners, but it also presents an opportunity to innovate and elevate the player experience.
Here's how we've seen pickleball facility design evolve in recent years.
Player Expectations Have Changed
Today's players aren't just looking for a place to play—they're seeking an experience that justifies their investment of time and money. They expect features such as:
Premium court surfaces, not just temporary line markings on tennis courts
Proper lighting for clear visibility and player safety
Sound mitigation to make the game more comfortable for players and neighbors
Dedicated viewing and social areas that help create a sense of community
Competition Drives Innovation
The growing number of facilities means players have choices. Those who invest in superior design and amenities will naturally attract more players who:
Are willing to pay premium rates for better playing conditions
Become long-term members rather than occasional drop-ins
Recommend the facility to other players
Participate in programming and events
Future-Proof Design Thinking
Smart facility owners are thinking ahead, considering how their space can adapt to:
Evolving tournament formats and requirements
New technology integration opportunities
Changing player demographics and preferences
Growing demand for professional instruction and clinics
The facilities that thrive will be those that anticipate tomorrow's standards rather than merely meeting today's minimum requirements. This forward-thinking approach to design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating spaces that can sustain profitable operations for years to come.
Court Layout Fundamentals
While some facilities try to squeeze in as many courts as possible, we've found that proper court sizing and spacing makes all the difference in player satisfaction and facility profitability.
Here are the specifications we recommend based on our experience:
Optimal Court Dimensions
Standard Courts: 30' x 60'
Premium Courts: 34' x 64' (recommended for optimal play experience)
Minimum Safety Zones: 6' between courts to accommodate player movement and equipment
Total Space Requirements: Factor in additional space for walkways, viewing areas, and amenities
As players improve their game, they become more selective about where they play. We've seen time and again that experienced players won't pay to play on undersized courts when better options are available. Facilities should opt for the larger 34' x 64' premium court size whenever possible, as the extra cost for concrete and surfacing is minimal compared to the value it adds to your players' experience.
Key Design Elements
Fencing Height: 4.5' standard fencing around courts
Background Walls: 8' fencing with wind screening behind courts for optimal ball visibility
Entry Points: Strategically placed at net lines to maintain consistent backdrops
Court Groupings: Organize courts in sets of three with central walkways to foster community

Optimizing Player Flow and Social Spaces
The social nature of pickleball demands thoughtful space planning beyond just court dimensions. Facility designers need to prioritize community-centric layouts that foster engagement and encourage players to linger after their games.
Community-Centric Design
One key strategy is grouping the courts in sets of three or six, with at least four seats per court to create inviting central gathering spaces. This natural clustering draws players together, giving them opportunities to mingle, chat, and build connections as they transition from one match to the next.
Placing comfortable viewing areas right at the net lines—where spectators tend to congregate—makes people want to stick around, not just rush in, play, and leave. And when players stick around, they're more satisfied (and more likely to spend more money!).
Food & Beverage Strategy
If your facility will have food and beverage service, place it in the center of the action—not tucked away at the entrance.
When the bar or cafe is centrally located among the courts, it becomes a natural gathering spot where players can socialize, watch games, and build community.
We've seen many facilities make the mistake of putting the food and beverage service out of the way, forcing staff to constantly run back and forth to serve players. A centralized placement keeps staff right in the heart of the playing area and encourages players to get to know the people behind the facility.
Operational Efficiency Elements
Beyond just the player experience, successful pickleball facility designs should consider operational elements that streamline staffing and maintenance.
Technology Integration
Look for tools that streamline tasks and give your team more time to engage with players. A few must-haves:
Court displays at the net line for easy score tracking and updates
Intuitive PodPlay booking software that handles scheduling, payments, and reports
Security and access control systems integrated with PodPlay.
Maintenance Musts
When your space works smarter, your staff can focus on what really matters: making sure every player has an exceptional experience. Floor maintenance is easily the most time-consuming task, so consider:
Dark colors or patterns that hide scuffs and stains
Flooring materials based on maintenance needs:
Concrete: Easiest to clean with an industrial aesthetic
Carpet Tile: Better acoustics, but requires frequent vacuuming
Astroturf: Creates a casual, outdoor atmosphere
Industrial equipment to streamline cleaning time
We suggest every facility owner invest in high-quality maintenance equipment that's sized for your facility. A versatile machine like the Tomcat Sport Scrubber will make quick work of cleaning and help your team stay efficient.
Maximizing Facility Revenue Beyond Court Rentals
Court rentals will always be a core revenue driver for pickleball facilities, but the most successful owners know there are many other ways to boost their income streams.
While not every space you look at during the site selection process will accommodate additional amenities, it's worth considering the possibilities:
Pro Shop Placement Positioning the pro shop in a prominent location near the front desk maximizes visibility and foot traffic.
Dedicated Instructional Spaces Incorporating dedicated spaces for private lessons and clinics allows the facility to make more money on coaching.
Flexible Multi-Purpose Rooms Flexible, multi-purpose rooms can be utilized for a variety of revenue-generating events, such as corporate team-building activities and social gatherings.
Expanded Recreational Amenities Incorporating amenities like table tennis, shuffleboard, arcade games, or golf simulators can drive revenue and appeal to a wider demographic.
Future-Proof Expansion Planning Thoughtfully planning for potential expansion—both in terms of court count and extra spaces—ensures the facility can scale and evolve alongside the rapidly growing pickleball market.
Partner With JDC For Expert Pickleball Facility Design
The future of pickleball is being shaped by the facilities we build today.
As the sport continues growing, players will gravitate to thoughtfully designed spaces that foster competition, camaraderie, and community.
At JDC, we're not just designing courts—we're creating pickleball experiences that will endure. Our unmatched expertise, combined with your vision as a facility owner, can set a new standard for what's possible in this exciting industry.
Reach out today to learn more about our process and see how we can bring your vision to life.
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