
Pickleball is everywhere right now - and more homeowners in Stillwater are skipping the crowded public courts and putting one right in their own backyard. That's exactly what this project was about. A dedicated outdoor pickleball court, built from the ground up on a private residential property.
Here's what makes a court like this work long-term. The surface has two distinct color zones - a green outer court area and a blue playing zone - with crisp white lines defining the boundaries. That two-tone layout isn't just for looks. It gives players a clear visual reference for in and out calls, which matters a lot when you're actually playing competitively.
The court sits on a solid, well-prepared base and is bordered by gravel on all sides. That perimeter detail is important. It handles drainage and keeps the edges clean and stable over time. Minnesota weather puts outdoor surfaces through a lot, so getting the base and perimeter right from the start is what separates a court that holds up from one that starts cracking and heaving within a few seasons.
The net post setup is purpose-built for pickleball - not a repurposed tennis net or a flimsy portable stand. The lighting pole on site means this court is set up for evening play too. That's a big deal if you actually want to use it after work or on weeknights with friends and family.
Projects like this come down to the details in the prep work and the quality of the surface materials. A court that looks good on day one but fails in year two isn't worth the investment. We take the time to do it right so you get a surface that performs season after season.