Why communities add padel
Short answer: HOAs, apartment communities, hotels, country clubs and schools add padel because it's quick to learn, social (usually four players), fits on half a tennis court's footprint and draws residents and members who don't play tennis. Most projects are one to four outdoor courts, often on an old tennis court or an unused lawn.
Planning steps
- Pick candidate sites and measure them (see dimensions).
- Get budgetary quotes from two or three builders for the board or owners.
- Check approvals with your city and, for HOAs, your governing documents.
- Decide on lighting and hours, with neighbors in mind.
- Plan booking and upkeep: a booking app, turf brushing, sand top-ups, glass cleaning.
Budget and upkeep
Outdoor courts commonly run about $60,000 to $125,000 each installed; converting a sound tennis court base can come in lower. Ongoing costs include brushing and topping up turf infill, cleaning glass, lighting electricity and eventual turf replacement. Ask builders for a maintenance plan and price.
What to ask
- Can you provide a budgetary proposal we can present to our board?
- Have you built courts for HOAs, hotels or schools before?
- What maintenance plan do you offer, and what does it cost per year?
- What lighting options limit spill toward neighbors?
Questions
How many padel courts should an HOA build?
Many start with one or two. Two courts let more residents play at peak times and usually cost less per court than building one now and one later.
Can we convert one of our tennis courts?
Often, yes. A tennis court footprint usually fits two padel courts. See tennis court conversions.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on your city, county and HOA, and on what's included (slab, lighting, structure). Ask your local building department and HOA, and ask builders what they needed on recent projects near you.