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For the developing child, regular exercise has been shown to aid in physical development and helps to combat childhood obesity, while helping children to build strong bones and muscles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity in childhood is associated with improved strength and endurance, reduced stress and anxiety, lower body mass index and improved cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition, physical activity in childhood helps to ward off chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers and results in lower healthcare costs as an adult.

In addition to physical benefits, playing sports can also contribute to career and educational benefits including enhanced cognitive skills, improvement in academic performance, increased concentration and attention, better classroom behavior, higher test scores, and a higher likelihood to attend college.

Children to grow up playing sports also have a proven higher self-esteem, better goal-setting and leadership abilities, and a higher income and productivity at work in adulthood.

With a home basketball court or multi-purpose Sport Court from SportProsUSA, reaping the benefits of sports participation has never been easier.

30+ Benefits of Physical Activity in Childhood

Physical Benefits
  –  Improved Strength
  –  Improved Endurance
  –  Reduced Stress
  –  Reduced Anxiety
  –  Healthy Bones, Muscles, and Joints
  –  Reduction in Unhealthy Body Fat
  –  Lower Body Mass Index
  –  Improved Cholesterol
  –  Improved Blood Pressure
  –  Lower Chance of Diabetes
  –  Lower Chance of Cardiovascular Disease
  –  Lower Chance of certain types of Cancers
  –  Lower Healthcare Costs into adulthood

Educational Benefits
  –  Enhanced Cognitive Skills
  –  Improved Academic Performance
  –  Increased Concentration
  –  Increased Attention
  –  Better Classroom Behavior
  –  Higher Test Scores
  –  15% More Likely to Attend College

Emotional & Other Benefits
  –  Higher Self-Esteem
  –  Improved Mental Health
  –  Enhanced Social Involvement
  –  Better Goal Setting
  –  Better Leadership Abilities
  –  Improved Time Management
  –  Better Discipline and Dedicated
  –  Higher Income in Adolescence (7-8%)
  –  Higher Productivity at Work in Adulthood
  –  Less Sexually Active (Female)
  –  Less Drug Use (Female)
  –  Decreased Risk of Depression (Female)

SOURCES:
The Aspen Institute, “Facts: Sports Activity and Children.” Project Play.
Bruce Kelley and Carl Carchia. “Hey, data data — swing!” ESPN.
Krista Sheehan, “Percentage of Kids Who Don’t Exercise.” Livestrong.

As with any home renovation or construction project, many wonder how their project will affect the overall value of their home. While most consider fixing up the interior of their homes, a study from the University of Michigan found that paying attention to the exterior can provide additional financial gain. The study proved that homes with well-landscaped yards – which can include a home basketball court –  had an 11.3 percent higher value than homes without these improvements.

Forget expensive swimming pools, the new trend among upper-class homeowners is the backyard Sport Court. More families are moving towards eco-friendly yards — which means less water usage. A backyard Sport Court adds to the landscaping of your yard by not only making it eco-friendly, but by adding anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 to the value of your home. This is in addition to the years of enjoyment that a Sport Court brings to your family, which is indeed priceless, while still increasing the value of your home. 

In addition, having a home Sport Court helps to foster community engagement, giving communities a place to come together and be active. For the prospective buyer who’s looking to raise a family, a backyard Sport Court is invaluable.

SOURCES:
“How Does a Backyard Sport Court Affect Your Property Values?” Sport Court

While a home basketball court and a swimming pool may cost about the same amount of money to install, a backyard court will cost you less over time and give you more bang for your buck. In addition, a home basketball court is more versatile than a pool and can be used for a variety of different sports and activities – volleyball, tennis, soccer, roller hockey, dance party, movie night, and so many more! It can even be converted to a backyard ice rink and can be used throughout the year in all seasons.

A swimming pool can be used for…swimming. Swimming pools can only be used for a few months out of the year and are costly to maintain. Chemicals, opening and closing costs, water usage and electricity, repairs, etc. – swimming pools require a lot of time, work, and money to keep running properly and safely. A Sport Court game court requires little maintenance to keep your family enjoying sports in any weather all year round!

Let’s take a more detailed look at the overall cost of a 20” x 40” (average size) swimming pool versus a 20” x 40” Sport Court:

Cost to Install a Pool:
PK Data reports that the average cost of a residential in-ground swimming pool in American was $39,084 in 2014. Given that construction costs in New Jersey are some of the highest in the country, the cost will undoubtedly be above the national average. In addition, many homeowners choose to install a heater to extend the swimming season as long as possible. Given additional features and aesthetics of a pool, the cost in New Jersey for a standard-sized backyard pool can easily be $60,000-$80,000.

Cost Per Season for Pool:
The average homeowner spends $375 a month during the swimming season to maintain their pool with additional costs as needed. You could end up spending an additional $5,000 a year in additional costs and repairs.

Breakdown of Cost Per Season:
Opening Cost: $285
Closing Cost: $285
Chemicals: $100
Electricity Cost: $300
Skimmer: $10
Testing Kit: $15

Additional Expenses & Repairs:
Pool Vacuum: $600
Pool Cover: $600
Pump Motor: $350
Pool Filter: $500
Leak Patching: $200
Resurfacing: $2,500

Cost to Install a Sport Court:
The cost to build and install a 20” x 40” Sport Court will be between $20,000-$25,000 all-in. This includes the site work (excavating, leveling, grading, moving sprinklers, etc.), base material (concrete, asphalt, etc.), surface (Sport Court modular surface), components (basketball systems), and installation (including painting of lines). There is little maintenance that needs to be done once installed, so you will not be spending additional money each season/year and it can be enjoyed in all seasons.

Cost Per Season for a Sport Court:
There is no need to spend additional money each season to maintain your Sport Court. A leaf blower or power washer can clean up any debris collected throughout the year, and a quick greasing of your components will keep them working like new for many years. There is no downtime needed to get your court in shape, so you can enjoy it immediately!

Additional Expenses & Repairs:
If installed by a certified CourtBuilder, your Sport Court will come with a warranty. Therefore, any repairs needed to your surface will be protected under the warranty. (Check the specific product for more details and information). If properly maintained, repairs to your components are usually inexpensive and infrequent.

Given the above data, the cost to install a pool can easily be double (or triple and beyond) the cost to install a Sport Court. And, the additional costs per year for maintenance and repairs makes your pool a continuously costly purchase. Whereas a Sport Court can be fully installed and enjoyed with little additional money spent over the lifetime of your court, and enjoyed every season of the year!

 

SOURCES:
Susan Johnston Taylor, “The Real Cost of Owning a Swimming Pool.” U.S. News.
Mat Jobe, “Inground Pools: New Jersey.” Pool Pricer.