Accessible Routes for Paddleball

Q: My county is building a new, elevated platform paddleball court. The court surface is raised several feet to allow space underneath for heaters that melt snow and ice from the court surface, as this game is primarily a winter sport. Is an accessible route required to access the court? The county plans to use steps for access to the court entrance.

A: Per the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, an accessible route needs to connect to the boundary of each area of sport activity. If the area of sport activity is raised, then the accessible route would need to be a ramp or platform lift to the boundary or entrance of the elevated platform tennis court.