Platform Tennis and Pickleball

Construction Update

The Paradise Peninsula area of Waterford Oaks County Park closed to the public June 6, 2025 to allow for delivery of new playground equipment and subsequent construction work. Due to construction, the platform tennis courts will not be open for the 2025-26 season. The renovated area is expected to reopen in Fall 2026.

As Paradise Peninsula is being converted to a new space called Cattail Cove, updates are being made to the Platform Tennis Courts, including replacement of the old decking with new concrete paths and patios that make the area accessible for all users, updates to the skirting of the structure and installation of new heaters.

Other updates that will be completed:

New expanded playground
New pavilion
New adult fitness area
New year-round restrooms

Visit the Waterford Oaks Construction Project webpage for more details about improvements coming to the park.

Platform tennis and pickleball

The two R.J. Reilly courts platform tennis courts at Waterford Oaks County Park were renovated in early 2025 and restriped for pickleball play as participation in this activity continues to grow.

Platform tennis and pickleball play can continue throughout the winter months. After snow is removed, the courts’ special floor heating units provide a dry playing surface.

The courts are currently open on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more about play at Waterford Oaks in the Rules and Etiquette Flyer. The courts are located at 1702 Scott Lake Road in Waterford.

Interested in helping to maintain the courts? Become a volunteer. Learn more about the platform tennis and pickleball volunteer opportunities and the volunteer application process in the Volunteer Flyer. To proceed with the volunteer application process, fill out the Adult Volunteer Application. Those ages 14-17 can have a parent or guardian complete the Minor Application Form.

Platform tennis information

Rules: Rules differ from tennis with one serve and use of screening to keep the ball in play.

The Court: The game is played on an elevated aluminum deck, one-quarter the size of a tennis court. Surrounded by a 12-foot high superstructure, taut 16-gauge "chicken wire" fencing allows play off the walls, similar to racquetball and squash. The base of a platform tennis court is usually enclosed, where a heating system beneath the deck melts snow and ice on the aggregate deck surface, allowing athletes to play outdoors in all weather conditions.

Equipment: Platform tennis paddles are made of a composite material with aerodynamic holes drilled in the head. Paddles are approximately 18" long. The spongy rubber ball measures 2.5 inches in diameter. A flocking material on its exterior keeps the ball from skidding.

Learn more about platform tennis

Oakland County Parks is a proud sponsor of the Michigan Senior Olympics.