School's Out Soon—Is Your Campus Court Ready?

Campus courts play a key role in school athletics and recreation, yet they're often overlooked until problems arise. With summer break approaching, this is the ideal time to evaluate, maintain, or upgrade these important facilities.

 

Whether it's basketball, tennis, or a multi-sport area, taking advantage of the quiet season can help protect your investment, keep students safe, and extend the life of your campus courts.

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Why Should Schools Prioritize Court Maintenance During Summer?

When students leave for the summer, schools have a unique chance to take on larger maintenance tasks. Campus courts, used throughout the year by PE classes, sports teams, and after-school programs, need attention during this downtime.

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Leaving cracks, fading lines, or surface damage untreated can lead to safety issues and more expensive repairs. The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) notes that regular upkeep can make a court last up to 50% longer.

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Poorly maintained courts can also affect student participation and the school’s image.

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How Can You Tell If Your Campus Court Needs Attention?

You can start evaluating your campus court with a simple checklist:

• Cracks or damage to the surface

• Faded or missing game lines

• Standing water after rain

• Loose fencing or equipment

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Then check how the court performs:

• Is the ball bounce consistent?

• Does the surface offer enough grip?

• Are hoops, nets, or posts stable?

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For a more in-depth review, consider hiring a professional. They can test the surface for hardness, slope, and traction—details that aren’t always visible.

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What Are the Most Common Problems in Campus Courts?

Courts on school grounds are often used and rarely shut down for maintenance. This leads to common issues like:

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• Surface cracks: Caused by weather changes and heavy use. Fixing them early keeps them from spreading.

• Worn paint lines: These can affect gameplay and may not meet official standards.

• Slippery areas: Surfaces wear down and lose grip over time.

• Drainage problems: Puddles that stay too long can damage the base below.

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According to ASTM International, outdoor sport surfaces should have a slip resistance rating of at least 0.5 to meet basic safety standards.

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Should You Resurface or Replace Your Campus Court?

It depends on the condition of the court. Resurfacing is more affordable, but not always the best choice.

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When is Resurfacing the Right Option?

• The foundation is still strong

• Cracks are minor

• The surface is mostly intact

• Lines just need repainting

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When Should You Consider Replacement?

• The base is damaged

• Past resurfacing hasn’t worked

• Water drainage is a problem

• The surface is uneven

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What Surface Material Is Best for School Courts?

The best surface depends on how the court will be used, your local climate, and how much maintenance you're prepared to do.

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What Are the Common Surface Types?

1. Asphalt with acrylic coating: Affordable and common for basketball and tennis.

2. Modular tiles: Easy to install and good for drainage and safety.

3. Synthetic turf: Works well for multi-use courts and is soft underfoot.

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What Sports Require Specific Surface Features?

1. Basketball: Needs a reliable bounce. Modular tiles are easier on joints.

2. Tennis: Requires a smooth surface. Acrylic-coated concrete is standard.

3. Pickleball: A growing sport that fits well into existing tennis layouts.

4. Volleyball: Softer surfaces can help reduce impact injuries.

 

How Can You Make Your Campus Court Safer and More Accessible?

Courts need to be safe and accessible for everyone. It’s about more than the playing surface.

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What Are the Basic Safety Features?

• Surface grip

• Shock absorption

• Consistent ball bounce

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What Accessibility Features Should You Consider?

• Ramps and clear paths

• Equipment options for adaptive PE

• Slopes that meet ADA guidelines

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Don’t forget fencing, lighting, and spectator areas. The U.S. Access Board outlines what’s required in renovated recreational facilities.

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How Can Schools Make Campus Courts More Environmentally Friendly?

Schools looking to reduce their environmental impact can make smart choices with court materials and equipment.

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What Sustainable Features Are Available?

• Permeable surfaces to help with water management

• Recycled materials in tile systems

• Low-VOC coatings that are safer to use

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How Can You Save Energy on Your Campus Court?

• Solar lighting or LED systems

• Motion-sensor lights or timers

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The U.S. Green Building Council reports that green building choices can lower energy costs by up to 20% each year.

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What Should You Do Next?

Campus courts are more than just places to play. They support student health, school pride, and bring communities together. As the school year wraps up, it’s the ideal time to prepare your courts for the season ahead. Whether you’re considering a full renovation or a few much-needed repairs, summer offers the perfect window to get the job done.

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Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact TrueLine Construction & Surfacing Inc. today to see how we can help you succeed with your court construction project. Our team is ready to deliver quality work that meets your timeline and fits your campus needs.

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