However easy connecting to community has been, it has also left a bitter taste in the mouth of many when it comes to what has been coined as perpetual availability.
In this piece that I wrote for the Forbes Business Counsel, I explored the idea of going back to the ancient tradition of third places, and what it means to invest in projects that hold the community’s interest at their core.
Stop Doom-Scrolling, Play Padel
The idea behind the article was a question about the way we could reclaim our time and space, specifically, how to be purposefully available.
Noticeably, our collective desire for company and connection had heightened after Covid19 but so did Padel, and the correlation here may not be direct causation, but the need for safe environments to “hang-out” and have fun had surely played a part in the boom of Padel courts in 2020.
Transforming Padel courts and Padel clubs into third places opens the opportunity to create unique spaces with unique activities where people can strike up friendships rooted in mutual passion, rather than sticking to work friendships alone.
But What are Third Places
They are neutral spaces (neither home nor work) where people get to relax, gather and bond. Investing in community by providing a third place does not have to mean providing a vacant colosseum with a tent for roof, it is building a safe space with thriving social gatherings that enjoy recreational and wellness activities.
While traditional third spaces are often free like libraries and parks, Padel’s social nature presents the perfect project to implement. It is a hybrid model that balances accessibility with sustainability. It offers a fun activity like libraries do, combined with the sunshine and movement that parks do.
By generating revenue, we can create a vibrant community hub offering healthy, bonding activities.
This approach is about ensuring the space’s longevity and ability to provide valuable services.
The Best Investment of the 2020s
Padel is an ideal third place. Its blended exercise, effortless socializing, and accessibility invites diverse participation, unlike libraries or gyms with their specific focuses. Padel clubs, with lounge areas and refreshments, embody the third-place concept.
Padel clubs demonstrate that successful third places prioritize community. They should welcome all demographics, offer regular events, and maintain cost-effectiveness. For optimal impact, design versatile spaces near public transit, include amenities like cafes and Wi-Fi, and provide comfortable seating to encourage extended visits. Proximity to public transportation expands potential audiences.
Building Community is Not Easy
Atte Suominen, Forbes Business 2024
This model appeals to impact-focused investors, balancing social value with financial returns. By marketing the experience of belonging, these spaces can ensure sustainable revenue through membership retention and referrals.
Thriving communal spaces require active engagement. That is to say, strategies like member integration programs, themed events, and inclusive design can foster interaction and attract younger demographics. The key is creating an environment that encourages shared experiences and lasting relationships.
Why is Padel Successful?
Padel’s unique position stems from its pandemic-era popularity, addressing widespread loneliness. To replicate this success, your third place must offer a compelling solution to a current social need. Unlike traditional sports facilities, Padel clubs uniquely blend accessibility, compact space requirements, community focus, and diverse amenities. Your third place should similarly enhance community engagement while providing grounds for monetary interactions, setting it apart from conventional recreational spaces.
Share your analysis with us and let us know what you think.
Book a call with us if you want to build a Padel court and don’t know where to start or contact us at [email protected] for more on our advisory services.
PADEL1969 | from Acapulco since 1969
