The Pursuit of Pickleball Prowess

In the pursuit of creating unparalleled recreational amenities, the owners of the Willows at Grande Dunes, a prominent apartment complex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, envisioned the construction of two state-of-the-art pickleball courts. What started as a standard project took a transformative turn when the stakeholders discovered the exceptional benefits that MAPEI’s admixtures and sports-flooring solutions offer.

Redefining recreational spaces

Recognizing the growing popularity of pickleball and the desire to provide residents with top-notch recreational facilities, Willows at Grande Dunes embarked on a project to construct two new pickleball courts. This undertaking aimed not only to meet the demand for recreational amenities but also to elevate the overall living experience for the community.

In the early stages of the project, a post-tension concrete system had been initially specified for the construction of the pickleball courts. However, during the planning phase, the owners and architects became aware of MAPEI’s comprehensive range of admixtures – specifically the Mapecrete System. Recognizing the potential advantages and superior quality that MAPEI offers, the owners and architects decided to reassess their initial specifications.

The decision to include MAPEI admixtures

Several factors contributed to the decision to switch from the initially specified post-tension concrete system to MAPEI’s Mapecrete System:

• Proven performance: MAPEI’s admixture products, known for their exceptional performance and durability, have a global track record of success in various construction applications. The owners and architects were swayed by the proven results and reliability that are associated with MAPEI’s products.
• Customizable solutions: MAPEI’s Mapecrete System offered a level of customization that aligned seamlessly with the project’s specific requirements. The ability to tailor the admixtures to the unique demands of pickleball-court construction was a key factor in the decision-making process. The fact that the admixtures contain less CO₂ and contain no metal also proved to be attractive. In addition, as the admixtures are added into the mix, they are less labor-intensive than a traditional post-tension system. In the end, this customizable solution was truly “green,” both for the environment and for the project’s bottom line.
• Technical expertise: The technical expertise and support that are provided by MAPEI played a pivotal role in the decision to switch to the Mapecrete System. The accessibility of experienced professionals who could address specific project needs and challenges was a significant advantage.

MAPEI’s ability to offer a complete range of comprehensive system solutions for various stages of construction – from admixtures to sports-surfacing systems – provided a comprehensive and integrated approach to the project.

MAPEI on the job

The selected Mapecrete System products – Dynamon SX high-performance admixture, Expancrete expansive agent, Mapecrete Film evaporation retardant, Mapecure SRA 27 liquid admixture and Mapefibre ST 42 macrosynthetic fiber – played a crucial role in ensuring the durability and longevity of the pickleball courts. These products were incorporated into the concrete mix, enhancing its performance and resistance to environmental factors such as weathering, abrasion and freeze-thaw cycles.

In addition to admixture products, the surface preparation and finishing of the pickleball courts were entrusted to one of MAPEI’s Mapecoat TNS coating systems. Mapecoat TNS Professional System offered a seamless, cushioned and durable playing surface. This system is known for its excellent player comfort, ball response and overall performance, making such a solution the ideal choice for the pickleball courts at Willows at Grande Dunes.

Elevating pickleball excellence

The decision to include MAPEI’s admixtures and sports-flooring solutions proved to be a game-changer for Willows at Grande Dunes. The completed pickleball courts exemplify excellence in construction, durability and playability. Residents now enjoy a cutting-edge recreational facility that not only meets but also exceeds their expectations.

The successful construction of the pickleball courts at Willows at Grande Dunes is a testament to the transformative impact of selecting the right construction solutions. By choosing MAPEI’s admixtures and sports-flooring products, the owners and architects have set a new standard in recreational construction. MAPEI’s commitment to quality, performance and technical expertise has elevated the pickleball experience for the community, reinforcing Willows at Grande Dunes as a premier living destination.