Pickleball Court Costs & HOA Considerations: What Association Leaders Need to Know
/By Paul Mengert, CEO of Association Management Group
Thinking of adding a pickleball court to your HOA? Learn about costs, legal considerations, and community impact in this guide for association leaders.
Introduction: The Growing Demand for Pickleball in HOAs
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are being asked whether to add courts to their communities. While new amenities can enhance property values and resident engagement, they also require careful financial planning, legal review, and member support analysis.
As the CEO of Association Management Group (AMG)—one of the Carolinas’ leading community association management firms—I frequently advise HOA boards on new amenity projects, including pickleball court construction. This blog provides a general cost breakdown, discusses court construction challenges, and highlights legal and financial considerations for association leaders.
Important Note: Pickleball court costs vary widely by location, surface material, and site conditions. This guide is intended as a starting point—HOA boards should consult legal, financial, and real estate experts before proceeding.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pickleball Court?
The cost of constructing a dedicated pickleball court ranges from $35,000 to $80,000. Several factors impact the final price:
1. Court Size & Layout
- Standard court (30' x 60'): $35,000–$50,000
- Larger court (34' x 64'): $40,000–$80,000
- Multi-court complexes save on per-court costs due to shared site preparation.
2. Surface Materials
- Post-Tension Concrete (Best Option) → $20,000+
- Rebar-Reinforced Concrete (Good Option) → $15,000+
- Asphalt (Budget Option) → $10,000+, but higher maintenance costs
- Acrylic Surfacing (Required for Playability) → $5,000–$15,000
3. Fencing & Lighting
- Chain-link fencing (4ft high) → $35 per linear foot
- Vinyl-coated fencing (10ft high) → $125 per linear foot
- Basic LED lighting → $2,500
- Tournament-quality lighting → $12,500
4. Site Preparation & Drainage
- Flat land → Lower costs
- Hilly terrain or poor soil → Adds $10,000+ in grading and drainage solutions
Converting a Tennis Court into Pickleball Courts
A cost-effective alternative is converting an existing tennis court into pickleball courts.
Multi-Use Court Benefits
- A single tennis court (78’ x 36’) can accommodate up to four pickleball courts.
- Dual-use lines allow tennis and pickleball play on the same surface.
- Portable pickleball nets enable easy switching between sports.
**Conversion Cost Estimate:**
- Painting pickleball lines → $1,000–$3,000
- Adjustable net systems → $150–$500 per court
- Total cost: Much lower than building a new court from scratch
Challenges & Considerations for HOA Pickleball Courts
1. Noise Concerns
Pickleball courts generate more noise than tennis due to the hard paddle-and-ball impact. This has led to complaints in some communities.
Mitigation Strategies:
- Locate courts away from homes
- Install noise-reducing barriers
- Restrict play hours
2. Legal & Liability Issues
HOA boards must review governing documents to ensure they can add a pickleball court without violating existing rules.
Consult legal counsel to determine:
- Whether a membership vote is required
- If insurance policies need coverage adjustments
- Any zoning restrictions that apply
3. Impact on Property Values
While amenities generally increase property values, a poorly planned court could do the opposite.
Best Practices:
- Consult real estate professionals for property value impact analysis.
- Survey homeowners to ensure broad support.
- Plan for long-term maintenance costs.
Assessing Community Support for Pickleball Courts
A common challenge HOA leaders face is vocal minority influence—a small but passionate group may push for a pickleball court, while the majority may not actually want or use it.
How to Gauge True Community Interest:
✔ Conduct surveys to measure overall resident support.
✔ Hold town hall meetings to discuss the pros, cons, and costs.
✔ Weigh input from real estate professionals, appraisers, and financial advisors.
Final Thoughts: Proceeding with Expert Guidance
Adding a pickleball court can be a valuable investment for a community, enhancing recreation, social engagement, and property appeal. However, it’s critical to:
✔ Consult an attorney for legal compliance.
✔ Engage real estate and valuation experts to assess impact on property values.
✔ Survey homeowners to ensure broad support for the investment.
✔ Plan for long-term maintenance and costs to protect the association’s financial health.
By taking a thoughtful, well-researched approach, community associations can make informed decisions that best serve their members both now and in the future.
For more insights on association management, amenities, and budgeting, visit www.AMGworld.com.
