Washburn University Students Rally for Badminton Court Restoration

Published February 25, 2026

Popular Sport Disrupted by Renovations

Students at Washburn University are expressing concern after the removal of permanent badminton court lines from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center following recent flooring renovations. The change has impacted a popular activity, particularly among the international student population.

A Loss for Players, Especially International Students

Badminton is enjoyed by many students at Washburn, and the removal of the court lines has created a challenge for those who regularly utilize the facility. Some international students have voiced their disappointment, as badminton is a significant part of their cultural and social lives.

“[The Rec] did have the court. They had two courts for badminton and then they don’t anymore,” said Josie Riddle, a junior graphic design major. It might be because badminton is not as popular as pickleball but it has been around longer than pickleball. People have been playing badminton. It might not be as many people as they thought [but] they shouldn’t just get rid of the court.

Josie Riddle, Junior Graphic Design Major

Intramural Challenges and the Need for Proper Markings

Although an intramural badminton tournament is offered, the lack of proper court lines impacts its structure and adherence to official rules. Accurate markings are essential for both singles and doubles matches.

“If there is no court, we can’t see the line and that’s hard for us to play badminton,” said Sumika Karmacharya, a freshman nursing major.

Sumika Karmacharya, Freshman Nursing Major

A Social Lifeline for Some

For some students, badminton is more than just a sport; it’s a connection to home and a vital social outlet.

“I consider international students would definitely benefit from getting a badminton court as back in my home country, many of my friends and I especially used to play badminton,” said Yashneil Shrestha, a freshman computer science major. I have grown up playing badminton and coming here in the first semester I was very happy to see a badminton court and good facilities provided. But in the second semester, after they redo the rec, they removed the badminton lines and now it’s very difficult to play badminton. This definitely isn’t something I expected from the Rec because I was very happy playing badminton with friends and enjoyed it a lot.

Yashneil Shrestha, Freshman Computer Science Major

University Response: Low Participation and Floor Protection

Whitney Slater, director of the student recreation and wellness center, acknowledged student feedback but explained the decision was based on facility usage patterns and the rising popularity of pickleball. Intramural badminton participation was low, with only 30 students participating between 2022 and 2025.

The university also cited concerns about potential damage to the new flooring from tape markings.

Temporary Solution Offered

To address the issue, the Recreation Center has purchased temporary rubber line markers available for checkout at the front desk, along with instructions for setting up courts.

“We’ve purchased temporary rubber line markers that can be laid out during badminton play,” said Slater. The markers will be kept in a black drawstring bag available for checkout at the front desk. Inside the bag, you’ll also discover photos showing how the lines should be set up on two different court configurations in the gym.

Whitney Slater, Director of Student Recreation and Wellness Center

Looking Ahead

While pickleball’s popularity continues to grow, badminton remains important to many Washburn students. The temporary markers offer a solution for now, but many hope for the return of permanent court lines.

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