Looking to add a delightful and functional touch to your yard? Consider installing your very own bocce court, and at Exotic Gardens, we’re thrilled to provide bocce court design, construction, and surfacing services across the San Francisco Bay Area, including Los Gatos, San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Raphael, and more.
Each bocce court we create is tailor-made to complement your yard and design preferences, ensuring a court that not only enhances gameplay but also adds aesthetic value. Our courts feature synthetic turf surfaces designed specifically for bocce, guaranteeing a smooth, low-maintenance playing experience. Professionally leveled and framed with pressure-treated wood, our courts ensure fairness and keep the game going.
A Brief History of Bocce
Originating around 5200 B.C. in Egypt, bocce ball is a strategic game with roots dating back to 9000 B.C. in Turkey. Popularized by soldiers of the Roman and Greek empires, it spread across Europe and later reached worldwide recognition, particularly in Italy. Temporarily banned in the 1600s, the game persisted in rural areas, enjoying a resurgence in popularity during the late 19th century.
Despite periodic bans and controversies, bocce has endured, culminating in the first bocce Olympiad in the late 1900s. Experiencing a resurgence in the early 1990s, particularly in California, bocce remains a beloved pastime globally.
How to Play Bocce Ball
Played on a smooth, flat surface, bocce involves two to eight participants, divided into teams. The standard court dimensions range from 60 to 90 feet in length and 8 to 13 feet in width. The game’s duration varies based on rules and participants but typically continues until 7 to 13 points are scored. Metal, composite materials, or hard plastic balls are used, with points awarded for proximity to the “jack” ball.
Can I DIY a Bocce Court?
While the simplicity of bocce court design might tempt DIY projects, there are crucial considerations, including excavation, drainage, base materials, and court surfaces. Various surface options, such as oyster shell, natural clay, or sand-packed synthetic turf, require careful selection. Incorrectly constructed courts may face issues like flooding, debris accumulation, and undesirable plant growth.
For an enjoyable yet demanding project, DIY enthusiasts can build their bocce court, but seeking professional guidance or assistance ensures a successful outcome.
Additional Backyard Features
Enhance your outdoor area by incorporating additional features alongside your bocce court, such as decks, patios, seating areas, pergolas, arbors, water fountains, heat lamps, shade trees, and more. Exotic Gardens specializes in designing and building custom hardscape walkways, putting greens, fire pits, shuffleboard courts, and outdoor kitchens to complement your bocce court, creating an inviting space for gatherings.
Where to Place Your Bocce Court
The placement of your backyard bocce court is a matter of personal preference and space limitations. Whether situated on the outskirts or as the centerpiece of your outdoor entertainment area, the choice is entirely yours. Consult our design professionals for valuable tips and suggestions on optimal placement.
Fun Facts About Bocce Ball
- Famous historical players include George Washington, Sir Francis Drake, Galileo, and Queen Elizabeth.
- The Aquatic Park Bocce Club in San Francisco is considered the oldest bocce club in the U.S., founded by Italian immigrants.
- The world’s largest bocce tournaments are held in Italy and France.
- Volo and Raffa are the two main types of bocce, with the modern version being Raffa.
- In countries like Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro, bocce is referred to as balote.
Whether you’re a seasoned bocce enthusiast or a newcomer eager to adopt a new hobby, Exotic Gardens is ready to build a custom court in your backyard. With expertise in installing both artificial and natural courts, complete with personalized additions, our team ensures a top-notch bocce experience tailored to your yard’s unique characteristics. Contact us today for a free estimate on your very own bocce court!
