Padel Courts for HOAs and Private Communities
HOA boards and developers keep asking us the same thing: is a padel court a smart amenity, or a fad? We think it is a good fit for many communities, with a few conditions. This is what we would want to know if we sat on the board.
Why communities are looking at padel
Padel is played in doubles, so every game involves four residents. It is easy to pick up, which means a retiree and a teenager can play the same match. And it is compact. The playing area is 65.6 x 32.8 ft (20 x 10 m), about 2,153 sq ft. A doubles tennis court is about 2,808 sq ft, and a pickleball court about 880 sq ft, before run-off space.
Padel is growing quickly in the places many gated and master-planned communities are, such as Florida, Texas, Arizona and California. Residents who have played on vacation increasingly ask for it.
What it can do for a community
- A shared activity. Courts that are booked in the morning, after school and in the evening create regular contact between neighbors who would not otherwise meet.
- A stronger amenity package. A padel court is easy to market in sales material and on the community website.
- A smaller commitment than a clubhouse or pool. You are building one fenced court, not a building.
We will not promise that a court raises home values. Amenities can help a community sell, but results depend on the market, the price point and how well the court is run. If someone tells you a specific return, ask where the number comes from.
Practical questions to settle first
Where does it go?
A court needs about 75.5 x 42.7 ft (23 x 13 m) with clearance, on level ground with good drainage. Unused lawn, a corner of a parking lot or space next to existing courts often works. Rooftops and podiums are possible but need structural review.
What about noise?
Every racquet sport makes noise. In padel it is the ball on glass and mesh plus voices. Keep courts away from bedroom windows where you can, and set playing hours that suit your neighbors. Louder sports tend to cause complaints, so deal with this before construction rather than after.
Lighting
Evening play needs floodlights. Choose fixtures that point at the court, not at nearby homes, and write the hours into your rules.
Insurance and liability
Talk to your insurance provider before you build. Residents using a new facility usually means a policy update, and many communities add a use waiver. Your attorney will know what your state expects.
Access and ADA
Plan an accessible path to the court. Our courts have free-access doors on both sides.
Who maintains it?
Turf needs occasional brushing, and glass and hardware need a periodic check. Decide who does it and how reservations work. Many communities use a simple booking app.
Climate and covers
In Florida, Texas and Arizona, sun and heat are the main issue, and a cover or shade makes the court usable in more hours. In the Northeast and Midwest, snow loads and winter use matter. Each cover we supply is produced for its location. See our court covers.
Which court
For most communities the Standard court does the job. Panoramic and Full Panoramic courts give a cleaner glass look, which developers sometimes prefer for premium or waterfront projects. Compare them on the specifications page.
How the process usually goes
- The board or developer picks a location and decides on the number of courts.
- You request a quote with your address, so engineering and pricing can reflect local wind, snow and code rules.
- The community handles approvals, including a vote if your documents require one.
- Courts are produced, shipped and installed.
- You set the rules for hours, bookings and guests.
Frequently asked questions
How much space does a padel court need in a community?
About 75.5 x 42.7 ft (23 x 13 m) including clearance, which is roughly 3,200 sq ft. The playing area itself is 65.6 x 32.8 ft.
Is padel louder than pickleball?
Both make noise. Padel's sound is the ball on glass and mesh plus players' voices. Place the court away from homes where possible and set sensible playing hours.
Does a padel court increase property values?
It can help a community's appeal, but we cannot promise a specific return. Results depend on your market, price point and how the court is managed.
Can a padel court be covered?
Yes. Fixed and retractable covers are produced and priced for your location. Contact us with your address for details.
Does the HOA need an engineer?
Most projects need engineering and permits that reflect local wind, snow and building rules. We coordinate that part of the project with you.
Keep reading
Planning a community court?
Tell us your location and number of courts. We reply by email.