Access Courts, developers of a modular and affordable squash court, has formally launched sales in the U.S. of both its indoor and outdoor squash courts. This news comes following the successful debut of the indoor version at the RacquetX conference in Miami in March and in advance of its outdoor model debut as Project Beacon in Chicago’s Union Park May 16.
Both court designs fill a gap in the marketplace for lower cost quality court construction that needs to be filled to expand the sport’s accessibility and affordability nationwide. With the goal of dramatically increasing access to squash courts, the designs allow for the installation of the court in any type of indoor facility, either temporarily or for long-term use. The heavier duty outdoor model may also be set up for short-term use or as a permanent installation such as for Chicago’s Project Beacon.
Quality Materials, Quick Assembly
The glass and hollow steel tube construction for the indoor model is engineered for quick assembly and disassembly within just one to two days. The front wall is reinforced to ensure a consistent ball bounce, matching the performance of traditional squash courts. The glass for all the walls is specially designed and manufactured to minimize the sound made by the impact of the ball. Additionally, multiple variations in the layout of courts are possible as they can be connected via the side or front walls to optimize the use of floor space.
Passion and Purpose Deliver Results
Rik Zwikker, founder of Access Courts is a civil engineer by training, however his passion for squash runs deep. Based in Amsterdam, his persistence yielded the construction of an outdoor court prototype that met with extremely positive reviews from all who traveled to give it a try. “Like so many who play, I have a deep passion for the sport and only want to see it grow and be more accessible to play,” said Zwikker. “I really believe that offering options for indoor and outdoor courts with such flexibility creates all sorts of opportunities for squash in the U.S. and worldwide.”
Enter the U.S. PSA Squash Foundation and US Squash
At the same time, the U.S. Professional Squash Association (PSA) Foundation’s President, Arnie Dratt had a goal – build an outdoor squash court at a park in Chicago as a first step towards increasing visibility for the sport. Over several years Dratt conducted a worldwide search for the ideal design, and after many dead-ends, he found Zwikker’s design met the challenge. He also raised the funds, and has led the project from beginning to end.
US Squash’s President and CEO Kevin Klipstein had a different vision. “Up in a day, for less than $50k is a goal we’ve had for some time. We know that access to courts is a major hurdle to our growth so reducing the cost and time to build is essential,” Klipstein noted. “Having an outdoor option for squash will also completely reposition the sport as belonging in the mainstream too.”
The U.S. Squash Foundation secured a gift to advance court prototype designs, for outdoor and indoor use, and challenged Zwikker to make the design less expensive, lighter and easier to assemble. The results of months of research and development yielded the prototype that debuted at the RacquetX conference. There, Team USA Coaching staff, the National Squash League, experienced and beginner players alike experienced the quality of play possible following the court’s two-day assembly (and one-day disassembly) in Miami.
Pioneering a New Path for Squash
“Squash has grown considerably in the last decade despite the barriers to entry – namely the cost of facilities. Low cost, modular courts is a critical tool we need to make the sport more accessible, so we couldn’t be more excited about this development and the opportunity it presents in the U.S.” Klipstein continued, “We really think this is a game-changer, so while we believe there are absolutely great options among court manufacturers and installers in the U.S., we are also actively supporting Access Courts’ efforts to get the word out about these courts, and hope this stimulates even more innovation in the space.”
To learn more and inquire about bringing Access Courts to your community, home, school or squash center, please visit www.accesscourts.com.