Who this guide is for
- Owners visiting a potential court site
- Clubs evaluating sites for a facility
- Project leads gathering site information
- Anyone preparing observations for specialists
Observing area, shape and ground
Start with the basics of space and ground. Note whether the usable area and shape look suitable, and observe slope, surface and any soft or uneven ground. These observations are starting points for feasibility, not conclusions, since ground conditions need specialist assessment.
Ground conditions vary by site and need professional judgment.
- Does the usable area and shape look suitable?
- Is there visible slope or unevenness?
- Are there signs of soft or wet ground?
- What surrounds the area on each side?
Access, services and surroundings
How the site is reached matters for both construction and later use. Observe access routes, room for construction activity, and how players or visitors would arrive. Note surrounding uses and neighbors, which affect noise, lighting and impact considerations.
Access and surroundings shape later requirements that may need local review.
- How would construction reach and work on the site?
- How would players or visitors arrive?
- What neighbors and uses surround the site?
- Are there obvious constraints to note?
Drainage and water observations
Water behavior is a frequent deciding factor. Observe where water seems to collect, how the ground looks after rain, and where runoff would go. These observations are valuable input for drainage planning, which is specialist work.
Drainage assessment and design should be reviewed and performed by qualified professionals.
Turning observations into questions
A good site visit ends with a list of questions for specialists, not firm conclusions. Photographs and notes turn the visit into useful input for feasibility review and professional assessment. The visit informs the decision; it does not make it.
Official court dimensions and standards should be confirmed with the relevant federation, supplier or designer.
Site visit planning checklist
- 1Does the usable area and shape look suitable?
- 2Did you note visible slope or unevenness?
- 3Did you look for signs of soft or wet ground?
- 4Did you observe how construction would access the site?
- 5Did you note how players or visitors would arrive?
- 6Did you record surrounding neighbors and uses?
- 7Did you observe where water collects or runs off?
- 8Did you photograph and note observations for specialists?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Reaching firm conclusions on the spot
- Overlooking how water behaves on the ground
- Ignoring access for construction and visitors
- Forgetting to note neighbors and surrounding uses
- Leaving without photographs or written notes
When to involve a professional
- Route ground, drainage and access assessment to qualified professionals, since conditions vary by site.
- Confirm local requirements affecting the site with appropriate advisers, as they vary by location.
- Have feasibility judgments reviewed by qualified professionals rather than settled on a visit.
- Confirm official court dimensions and standards with the relevant federation, supplier or designer.
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Can a site visit confirm feasibility?
No. A visit gathers observations that inform feasibility, but ground, drainage and local requirements need specialist assessment. Treat the visit as input, not a conclusion.
What should I look for in the ground?
Note slope, unevenness and signs of soft or wet ground, and how the area looks after rain. These observations are starting points for specialist assessment, not diagnoses.
Why note neighbors and surroundings?
Surrounding uses and neighbors affect noise, lighting and impact considerations that may require local review. Recording them early helps later planning and professional discussions.
Do I need measurements on the visit?
We do not provide dimensions, and the visit is about observation rather than verifying official measurements. Official court dimensions should be confirmed with the relevant federation, supplier or designer.
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