On September 9, The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) Campus Recreation held the grand opening of 12 new pickleball courts for the campus community.
The brand-new offering is located next to the McCoy Natatorium at the former tennis court site and were made possible by the Student Fee Board to meet the growing demand for pickleball among students.
Stephen Kamp, the senior director of Penn State Campus Recreation, said the project began over a year ago in response to the growing pickleball club not having outdoor playing space on campus.
“At Penn State – University Park, we’re lucky to have plenty of outdoor tennis facilities,” said Kamp. “We opted to transform a three-court tennis area into 12 pickleball courts, selecting the site for its high student traffic, visibility and potential to enhance the overall appearance of the area.”
Court Features
The new outdoor pickleball courts are in the Northeast quadrant of campus near the Intramural Building and are located directly across the street from the newly renovated East Hall residence halls.
In total, the facility is 24,000 square feet and each court meets USA Pickleball regulation size and requirements. Kamp said two spectator cabanas were also constructed to provide shade, the courts are colored forest green and two different shades of blue, and the space is fully ADA accessible.
The new courts are open to all Penn State students, or those with a Campus Recreation membership, from sunup to sundown every day. Anyone needing necessary equipment to play can checkout pickleball paddles and balls from the Intramural Building and Tennis Center on campus. Additionally, the courts are easily accessible through the Blue Loop bus lane, which stops directly in front of the space. Paid parking available in the nearby stadium lots.
Reaction and Beneficial Tips
Kamp said there was formerly a significant rise in students playing pickleball in Penn State’s indoor facilities, which made the extremely positive student response to the new outdoor courts unsurprising.
“Moving forward, we’re committed to offering new opportunities for students to engage in activities that enhance their overall well-being,” said Kamp. “The addition of pickleball courts not only meets this goal, but also has the potential to attract students who may not typically participate in other campus recreation activities.”
For other industry leaders who are looking to also capitalize on the ongoing pickleball craze, Kamp said one of the simplest ways to add pickleball courts is by converting an existing outdoor area, such as a tennis or basketball court.
“However, keep in mind that pickleball can be quite noisy, so it’s best to avoid placing courts near academic buildings,” recommend Kamp. “If you plan to install lights for evening play, consider the noise levels and their impact on the surrounding environment.”
