How to Create Accessible & Inclusive Commercial Courts for All Abilities
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How to Create Accessible & Inclusive Commercial Courts for All Abilities

How to Create Accessible & Inclusive Commercial Courts for All Abilities

Imagine a commercial game court where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can join in and feel fully included. Creating accessible and inclusive commercial courts means going beyond the basics of compliance; it's about designing spaces that truly empower athletes of all backgrounds to participate, fostering a sense of belonging and equality on the playing field. 

From age and skill level to physical abilities, sensory needs, and cognitive differences, an inclusive athletic court is a perfect way to unite your community. C&C Courts has been helping commercial fitness centers and community centers create athletic courts for over thirty years, and we’ve made it our mission to ensure our courts are accessible to all individuals. 

We’ve compiled this guide to teach you how to achieve a united community through athletics with an inclusive game court. 

Foundational Design: Exceeding ADA Compliance

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides the legal framework, a truly inclusive court aims for Universal Design, making the space intuitive and usable for everyone. Some ways to achieve this include:

  • Wide, Smooth Paths: All pathways are at least 36 inches wide and have a firm, slip-resistant, and level surface. Avoid steps or steep slopes.

  • Clear Circulation: Design accessible lanes directly to each side of the court. Players should not have to cross another active court to reach their destination.

  • Direct Connections: Accessible routes must connect all accessible elements and spaces, including parking, entrances, spectator seating, accessible locker rooms, restrooms, and water fountains.

  • Wide Clearances for Doors/Gates: All doorways and gates should be at least 36 inches wide and be unobstructed.

  • Include Accessible Supporting Facilities: These can include locker rooms, restrooms, spectator seating, water fountains, and other amenities. 

Strategic Surface Materials

A level, smooth, and slip-resistant surface is critical for an inclusive athletic court. The flooring you choose will impact mobility, shock absorption, and traction. 

While shopping around for the perfect flooring for your accessible court, consider looking at the smoothness, traction, shock absorption, and durability of the flooring, which will impact those who use wheelchairs.

Some surface materials C&C Courts recommends include: 

  • Response HG: For a smooth, interlocking tile system, Response HG is perfect for your accessible game court. It has patented Lateral Forgiveness technology, giving it a high shock absorption rating, stellar durability, and high traction.  

  • Defense: Defense flooring can hold up against roller sports, which makes it great for wheelchairs. It is also durable, slip-resistant, and has high traction. 

  • Dropzone Rubber: Dropzone offers many different kinds of interlocking tile systems for a variety of purposes. Each one is durable, has great traction, and comes with very attractive warranties. 

Adaptable and Accessible Equipment

Your commercial court equipment should be adaptable and accessible for players of different ages, skill levels, and physical abilities. Luckily, there are many ways to turn standard athletic courts into adaptable surfaces with just a few tweaks. 

Consider adjustable-height hoops and nets. Adjustable hoops for basketball make it easier for kids and other individuals to play by lowering or raising the hoop. In addition, including a multi-use net system, which can convert a simple game court into a volleyball court, pickleball court, tennis court, or badminton court. 

The net height is easily adjustable and can make it easier to allow different games on a single court. 

Build Your Inclusive Commercial Court with C&C Courts

If you own or manage a community center or fitness center and want to design an inclusive game court, let C&C Courts help. Our knowledgeable and experienced team can guide you through the process of designing the perfect inclusive game court, and our expert builders will construct the court, whether indoor or outdoor, to your exact specifications. 

You’ll love being the center of the community where people from all walks of life can come together and enjoy exercise and sports. 

Reach out to C&C Courts today for more information about building an inclusive athletic court in Wisconsin. Request a quote online or give us a call at 414-856-5690.