In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, a pickleball revolution is taking shape. Steamboat Springs, long known for its world-class skiing, is now home to the largest pickleball facility in the Rocky Mountain Region, and the second largest in Colorado. When our founder Brandt Vanderbosch was approached to design this state-of-the-art complex, he saw more than just a construction project. As an avid pickleball player himself, he envisioned a community hub that would blend Steamboat’s rich heritage with the popularity of America’s fastest-growing sport.
What started as a tennis center, the 35,000-square-foot Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Complex now features six indoor and six outdoor tennis courts, as well as 20 pickleball courts with 12 inside, and eight outside for warmer months.
State-of-the-Art Features
Part of the project required extensive research to ensure the design and technologies used thoughtfully enhanced the player experience, truly making it a state-of-the-art facility. The complex features new, specialty lighting, playback cameras and 12 cushioned indoor gel-coated courts.
“We incorporated specialized lighting that illuminates the courts properly so that the ball can be tracked, but won’t cause glare during play,” said Chandler Deimund, Project Manager. “We also added a gel court surface that is engineered to protect players knees and ankles from injury during gameplay.”
Each court features high-quality cameras so players and coaches have the ability to analyze their performance, watch instant replays or live-stream other tournaments. The center also features a pro shop and community room, as well as a mezzanine level for tournament viewing, entertaining, and events.
Indoor tennis and pickleball courts are on display in the new Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Complex
A Blend of Modern and Historic Design
The project’s design marries modern elements with nods to Steamboat’s rich history. The primary exterior materials include a striking combination of simulated rusted metal panels with solid color accents. “It’s a facility that not only meets the technical demands of the sport, but also celebrates the unique character of our community,” added Deimund.
The team’s approach to interior design was to make the largest impact while using minimal materials and to make the pickleball courts mesh with the rest of the amenities. “The entire facility needed to feel cohesive with the high-end courts blending seamlessly into the retail shop, recreation space and facilities,” said project designer Leia Farrens. “We did this by using the most fundamental material in design – color.”
A bold blue was used as a wayfinding technique throughout the space guiding players through the facility through the moment they walk in and act as emphasize on essential building functions. The main design element, blue, is complimented by a bright red and sleek neutrals to reflect a polished, professional, and fun tone.
Each court has state-of-the-art feature
Elements of the playful interior design include red, eye-catching light fixtures, a wall of pickleball paddles and varsity-style graphics and tiles.“Our ultimate goal was to create a memorable facility that sparks joy and wonder when you walk through the door,” said Leia. “The Steamboat community and pickleballers deserve nothing less.”
The facility’s retail space needed to ebb and flow with the other spaces while remaining flexible to future needs. The interior designers selected an easily modifiable peg wall to display clothing, paddles and shelves. Moveable shelving units offer additional storage and even seating options to round out the retail space.
The courts and the upstairs mezzanine are separated using color block interior design strategy
Community Collaboration
This ambitious project came to life thanks to the unique collaboration of the community and the expertise of our team. This project is the first public/private partnership in the City of Steamboat. The project itself is on city-owned property, and the existing facilities are city-owned. Working together with the Steamboat Parks and Recreation Department, City Manager, City Attorney and the Town Council, as well as the nonprofit Court Sports 4 Life, the team created a facility that would prioritize the player experience and create a world-class facility right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Equipment for sale in the retail space stands out on pegboard walls
The Vertical Arts team came together with the large group to keep their goals in mind in every design detail. At 35,000-square-feet, the project isn’t just a place to play pickleball – it’s a glimpse into the future of recreational facilities, where state-of-the-art technology meets thoughtful design to create an unparalleled player experience. From specialized lighting that tracks every serve and volley, to gel-coated courts that protect players’ joints, every detail of this complex has been meticulously crafted.
Learn more about how Vertical Arts can help design your recreational facility by contacting us and see more of our commercial projects here.
The new indoor facility complements existing outdoor courts for all levels and ages of players
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more of our design expertise. And if you like what you see, view more of our most recent design work here.