Open Squash, the organisation which runs non-profit community squash centres in New York, is seeking damages of around $1 million from leading manufacturer CourtTech, Squash Mad can disclose.

It follows a breach of contract and gross negligence after CourtTech won the contract to install eight courts at Open Squashs new Big Apple facility.

Open Squash hired CourtTech for the installation of seven high-quality, sand-filled singles courts and one all-glass exhibition court which the organisation says was based on its advertised Best in America and stellar reputation for squash court construction.

Open Squash had first contracted CourtTech in June 2022, with the facility planned to open to the public in September 2023.

However, according to documents filed by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Open Squash, on a walk through of the facility, was shocked to find not only that the courts were not installed in accordance with WSF standards, but they also were entirely unsuitable for play and, in many respects, downright dangerous.

The summons document alleges: The defects were so significant that players were observed to bounce up and down as they walked across the wood.

Upon information and belief, the court floors were not properly supported underneath, and the glass panels installed at the entrance of each court were not properly or safely installed, creating a significant risk of severe physical injury to Open Squashs members and guests.

Open Squash says that CourtTech refused to acknowledge culpability for the defective Court Work, its glass exhibition court, and instead shifted blame onto another contractor.

With over 100 members pre-registered and dozens of families signed up for after-school programmes, Open Squash, which aims to make the sport more accessible and affordable, was subsequently forced to hire a qualified squash court contractor to undergo repairs.

In court documents, Open Squash says it incurred and will incur damages in an amount to be determined at trial, but presently estimated to be not less than $1m.

In response to the plaintiffs complaint, CourtTech issued a series of denials and insufficient knowledge and information to form a belief as to the allegations.

Open Squash officially opened its second facility in NYCs Financial District, at 100 Pearl Street on the 14th floor, in January.

Squash Mad has contacted CourtTech for comment but didnt respond by time of publication.

Seth Frankle, VP of Operations at Open Squash, said: The complaint largely speaks for itself but we should emphasise that Open Squash was forced to take legal action not just to recover the very real losses Steve Hall and his team caused Open Squash but also to make sure the same thing doesnt happen to other facilities.

We care deeply about the growth of the game and that requires court builders who know what they are doing and take responsibility for their workmanship.