In a bold move that redefines public spaces, The Open in Calgary’s East Village seamlessly integrates a pickleball court with a modern public washroom. Currently under construction and set for completion by January 2025, the facility’s design places pickleball at its core, offering not just a functional amenity but a community space that invites active engagement. This winning submission in the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation’s national public design competition introduces a new way to approach recreation and public utility.
Strategic Location and Pickleball Focus
Situated at the end of 7th Avenue SE, the facility is placed strategically to enhance the urban edge of the surrounding park and the East Village neighborhood. This prime location near existing utilities and intersecting pathways ensures accessibility for the public while placing pickleball in a position to be a central feature of the design. The inclusion of a free outdoor pickleball court makes the space stand out, countering the typical image of public washrooms as dark, isolated, or unsafe spaces.
A Hybrid Design Combining Sport and Utility
At the heart of The Open is the unique pairing of a public washroom and a single pickleball court. This 3,000-square-foot facility integrates the fast-growing sport into the everyday urban environment, turning the washroom into a lively, welcoming space.
By adding a pickleball court, the design transforms what could have been a mundane infrastructure project into a social hub. The space encourages not only those using the washroom but also pickleball players, spectators, and the broader community to gather and engage.
Pickleball as a Community Connector
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in North America, has become a cornerstone of the design. The court’s vibrant colors and marked lines stand in stark contrast to the typical drab surroundings of public washrooms.
Tiered seating at the end of the court allows spectators to comfortably watch games, further emphasizing the facility’s role as a community gathering place. The design incorporates these elements to create an environment where sport and social interaction are at the forefront, actively engaging people of all ages and backgrounds.
Design Elements to Enhance the Pickleball Experience
The facility’s design focuses on creating an environment that supports and enhances the pickleball experience. Wrapped in a translucent teal metal screen, the building remains light and open, inviting players and spectators.
The facility’s playful exterior and the strategic use of vibrant colors help energize the surrounding space, making it a visually dynamic and inviting environment for pickleball players. A sedum-planted, wedge-shaped roof completes the design, connecting the urban space to the natural landscape of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
The architects have aimed to create a place where people can experience pickleball in a welcoming and community-focused setting, flipping the script on how public washrooms are perceived and used. This innovative approach proves that design can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
News in Brief: The Open in Calgary
Calgary’s The Open, set for completion in January 2025, introduces an innovative approach to public infrastructure by pairing a free outdoor pickleball court with a modern public washroom.
Located in East Village, this 3,000-square-foot facility is designed to foster community interaction and activity. As pickleball continues to rise in popularity, this project brings the sport into a new public space, combining functionality with recreation and transforming the typical washroom experience.
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