What would you do with an old tennis court?
I've got a 152-unit apartment under contract and it has an old tennis court that's in pretty bad disrepair. I don't think it's worth renovating, as tennis is a sport that so few people play. What are some creative ideas for that space? They can be amenities that generate income or not. Some ideas I thought of was a dog park, community garden, and grilling/picnic area. What would you do with it if you had to do something with it?
Being that the tennis courts are usually near the pool, I would caution a dog park as the smell can carry. I think it would be better synergy to have a grilling/picnic area near the pool, if that is such the case.
Also, depending on the property and demographics, you can consider a artificial grass soccer field.
renovate to be a sport court, with basketball on the sides and maybe even a ball wall for the kids. You shoud stilll keep the tennis court there.
#2 Starting Out Contributor
- Specialist
- Mendham, NJ
Depending on how bad the surface is, I agree with @Christine Kankowski and I would go with basketball on one side and I like her idea for the wall on the other. Add grill stations and benches around and maybe even a small playground if you don't have one and I think it adds to your amenities. The removal of the surface of the current court might be a cost you don't want to get into unless it needs to be redone anyway.
I have had to remove basketball courts in the past due to a variety of issues. But, primarily they were a magnet for teens that did not live in the neighborhood. I have also struggled with tennis courts due to damage to nets and posts, deteriorated surfaces and trouble w/pooling water. I like the idea of picnic/grilling area but have never seen much use by residents on my properties.
I like the ideas of soccer, futsal, enclosed play area, and community garden space.
Definitely agree that the layout and proximity of surrounding amenities are key to making a decision on what to replace the tennis court with. Also, I would be mindful of possible trash generated based on use and the ability to locate receptacles and access to remove trash regularly.
I agree with the idea of keeping the surface there and finding multiple uses for it rather than completely getting rid of it.
Painting hopscotch and foursquare lines could give it alternative uses and attract a more family friendly audience as well--without requiring additional expenses.
Dear Chris,
I would just put solar panels in the space. Another idea is to build additional units there for greater income.
Happy hunting!
I don't like the idea of a grilling area because of liability issues. A community garden could be a good idea but you'd have to have access to water there and it would cost you money on the usage of water. Are there a lot of kids in your complex? If so maybe a playground.
Depending on the demographics, consider a small football (soccer) field.
#2 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
There are hundreds of reasons why you should not turn it into anything other than grass. Put out a couple of picnic tables.
Everything else has potential problems. It is best not to encourage any one to use it for anything other than picnics.
How would a laundromat do, is this a lower, mid, or higher end complex. Would people use it, you could profit. Put a cending machine and atm machine as well, ask for revenue sharing from the atm provider.