What to Consider Before Buying a Bocce Ball Court
Bocce is one of the oldest continuously played games, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Adding a bocce ball court to your outdoor space encourages people to gather, exercise, socialize, and have fun. While these courts may seem like incredibly simple structures, getting the best value doesn’t happen by accident. You’ll want to consider a few things carefully before making your purchase. What should you think about when you’re shopping for bocce ball courts?
What Size Is Right?
Regulation bocce courts are 91 feet by 13 feet. These dimensions can be adjusted to accommodate smaller spaces. However, courts smaller than 70 feet by 10 feet are discouraged; players generally feel too cramped.
Which Surface Is Best?
Bocce can be played on a variety of surfaces, and the one that you select matters. After all, the quality of your court’s surface will impact how the balls perform during play. It also plays a role in things like appearance, weather resistance, maintenance requirements, durability, and accessibility. Every surface comes with pros and cons. For example, concrete and asphalt allow the bocce balls to roll with the greatest speed. Sand, oyster flour, crushed shells, and gravel deliver the best bounce and control. Grass or artificial turf provides stability underfoot. However, new turfs and blends of traditional favorites offer exciting possibilities. Working with bocce court contractors can provide expert insights.
How Will Drainage Be Managed?
Splashing in puddles can be fun under certain circumstances, but bocce courts that don’t drain properly will be unavailable for play and may be damaged. While it may be invisible once your court is constructed, good drainage is invaluable. In fact, working with a professional contractor who can ensure that the site is properly graded and prepared with an effective drainage system is one of the best ways to protect your investment.
Where Will the Bocce Courts Be Located?
Will bocce be a frequent activity or an occasional pastime? Is there only one location that will do or several possibilities? Are permits or permissions required? Whether you plan to place the court in a backyard, a company lawn, or a public park, selecting the right location requires some thought. You’ll need to consider traffic patterns, other features, and the presence of utilities. Think about convenience, safety, and aesthetics.
What Is the Maintenance Plan?
Bocce courts may seem like fairly basic structures. However, even simple structures can require maintenance. The amount of maintenance will vary depending on factors like where your court is located, how it’s constructed, and the materials that are used to build it. If a low-maintenance court is a priority for you, working with an experienced contractor who can design and build a court to match your needs is a smart move.
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When you’re craving professional design, construction services, and unique product systems for residential and commercial bocce courts, turn to New England Courts. We’re proud to partner with Bocce Builders of America and to have Carmela Pagnoni as our expert consultant. We’re also delighted to offer quality products that let you spend your time playing the game that you love instead of fussing over your court. These include the Official World Synthetic EPDM and the Pacific Pearl Bocce Surface systems. Both will offer years of fun while needing almost no maintenance. Contact New England Courts today to learn more.