School playgrounds often include tennis courts, basketball courts, or other types of sports areas. Maintaining these areas is even more crucial than residential courts as they see more use than other courts. Keeping children safe and allowing more gameplay to occur is the goal of school court maintenance. Regular upkeep will extend the life of the court, reduce injury, and limit costly repairs. Here are ways to keep your school courts safe and fun.
1- Regular Cleaning
External debris like leaves, dirt, and rocks can accumulate on courts, making them hard to play on. Debris creates hazards that can make gameplay more difficult and pose safety issues. Sweeping and washing help to remove grime and debris before it causes stains. Establish a routine cleaning schedule to stay on top of safety.
For indoor courts, dust and sweat can build up and cause a slippery surface. Clean indoor courts with a mild and non-toxic cleaning solution to remove grime and keep the surface looking new.
2- Inspect For Cracks, Peeling, Or Fading
School courts need to be inspected periodically to help you stay on top of repairs and resurfacing. Even the smallest cracks can worsen over time. When children are using the court multiple times a day, peeling and cracks can be worsened. By inspecting the courts frequently, you can ensure that resurfacing is done at the appropriate time.
When a school court is uneven, it can make for unsafe gameplay. Repairing uneven courts will keep gameplay more fair as well. Uneven surfaces will affect the ball bounce, cause tripping, or make lines hard to see.
3- Weatherproofing
Outdoor courts are exposed to all kinds of weather, which can weaken the surface, change the coloring, or cause further damage. One way to protect the surface from weather damage is to install a UV protective coating. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of court damage, as it can degrade even the most durable materials. UV-resistant layers will help your school court maintain its color and durability.
4- Safety Enhancements
For indoor and outdoor courts, a non-slip coating can be applied. These add texture to the surface to allow for safer gameplay by reducing falls, trips, slips, and injuries. As you play on a court, sweat or debris can build up and cause slippery spots. Non-slip surfaces can help reduce these spots and keep students safe.
Shock absorption is also important for many sports. Certain resurfacing materials offer shock-absorbing properties, which help with joint pain, muscle strain, and risk of injury. For fast-paced sports like basketball, volleyball, or tennis, shock absorption is crucial. Gentler courts allow students to play their favorite sports into their adult years.
5- Paint Refreshment
Having boundaries for different sports is best for accurate gameplay. Fading or peeling lines can lead to confusion while playing a sport. It can also be difficult for children to regulate their gameplay without effective lines or someone who knows the sport well. Repainting lines frequently will help the court look its best, while also limiting fights while playing on school courts.
6- Schedule Reoccurring Maintenance
Thinking about playground or court maintenance may not be on the top of your mind, so scheduling reoccurring appointments can help. Scheduling court cleaning and a court inspection each year will help you stay on top of any small issues that may come up. Even if you don’t hire a professional service, creating a schedule for cleaning or inspections between other school duties will save you money in the future.
Court Resurfacing From Pickle Court Surfacing
It is recommended that you resurface a court every 4-8 years to keep up with their efficiency. Depending on how much a court is used, this number could change. If you have a home court, you may need fewer resurfacing appointments than a community or school court. Exposure to the elements can quickly damage your court, so make sure to call Pickle Court Surfacing as soon as you notice damages.
Our team is passionate about providing fast response time and durable courts of all sizes. We only use the best-in-class materials to ensure that your court lasts through many years of play. Pickle Court Surfacing uses SportMaster products which are used by USA Pickleball and the United States Professional Tennis Association. These materials ensure the premium performance of any court type.
Want to improve your gameplay or promote student athleticism? Reach out to our court experts today!
