My family loves tennis and always look forward to when the weather gets warmer so we can play. Little did I know there is a sport called Platform Tennis that can be played in any weather in Oakland County at Waterford Oaks County Park.

Click here for a photo gallery of the Platform Tennis Courts at Waterford Oaks County Park.

Platform Tennis is played on a smaller court than tennis, about 1/4 the size. The rules are slightly different (one main rule difference is that you can play off the back fence "wall" like in racquetball), the "paddle" and ball are different, and most interesting of all, Platform Tennis can be played with snow on the ground.

The aluminum flooring for platform tennis is raised with heating underneath. And, all around the outer bottom edge of the platform, the boards can be raised to shovel snow off to the ground outside. Players typically dress in layers and play Platform Tennis in temps as low as 10 below. Platform Tennis, because of the court size, reminds me of a combination of tennis and outdoor racquetball.

There are two local platform tennis courts at Waterford Oaks County Park next to Paradise Peninsula. It is open to members and membership includes access to the courts, the facilities, leagues, etc. An annual family membership is $360.

Here's more information on how to get involved:

Where Can I Play Platform Tennis?
     Waterford Oaks
     2800 Watkins Lake Rd.
     Waterford, Michigan 48328
     248-858-0906

Paddle Club Coordinators -- call for information or to sign up:
     Betsy Hodges  248.892.0580
     Jay Reynolds  248.645.9671
     (new members are welcome throughout the season)

Season:
     Late-October to mid-April

I met with Jay Reynolds, one of the Platform Tennis coordinators, and he could not express enough that the main benefit that keeps him loving the sport is the ability to get fresh outdoor air in the winter.

To find out more, visit Waterford Oak's Platform Tennis page here.

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Click here for outdoor winter fun ideas in Oakland County and Metro Detroit, Michigan.
Click here for indoor winter fun ideas in Oakland County and Metro Detroit, Michigan.
Click here to become an Oakland County Moms member and find us on Facebook and Twitter.