Home sweet home takes on a new meaning when you don’t need to leave to have a good time. You can provide plenty of fun and action in your backyard without renting a pony, purchasing a risky trampoline or digging a new pool.

Some homeowners are bringing country club amenities home by installing residential basketball courts, tennis courts and putting greens. It’s not a new phenomenon in higher-end neighborhoods, but it is increasing in popularity as more people prefer spending leisure time at home.

Court is in Session
Residential basketball courts can be as simple or over-the-top as you want – they can be full-sized with lights, bleachers and scoreboards, or smaller (one hoop, one arch) to take up less yard space. They can be even decorated in your favorite team colors, including scarlet and gray.

Sport Court Inc. (www.sportcourt.com) is a national company that builds personalized courts. Projects typically range from about $6,000 to $50,000 or $60,000, depending on the bells and whistles included. The tile and hoops installed are portable, making it easy for customers to take their court with them if they move.

Sport Court also installs tennis courts, volleyball courts and multisport courts (think mini football fields) to really entice the kids to get outside and play.

Of course, you must have the property space for a project like this, which is the first priority, according to Tom Brown, project manager at Bob Webb.

“You have to have a good-sized property and you definitely have to have a big appetite for that type of activity,” Brown says. “I think families that install courts do it out of convenience, to save a half hour or so driving back and forth to the clubs.”

Southwest Greens (www.southwestgreens.com), which has a Grandview office, also specializes in residential courts, including volleyball, basketball and tennis courts. Rick Dodson, president of the local franchise, says 90 percent of his business is done on residential projects, and the home courts segment is growing rapidly.

“We are now hearing from corporate that we should start marketing the home courts a lot more – the tennis and basketball-type of courts. We weren’t doing that much before, but there is now a demand for it,” Dodson says. “It’s definitely a high-end product, but a lot more people simply just want to bring these sports to their backyard.”

Dodson attributes the increase in demand mostly to the stagnant housing market.

“People are putting more money in their homes now because they have to. They’re sort of stuck there,” Dodson says. “It’s also a convenience thing, it is a cost thing and it’s a family bonding thing.”

Putting Along
Although the home courts are picking up in sales, currently the biggest part of Southwest Greens’ business is its residential line of Nicklaus Design putting greens and Golden Bear synthetic turf, which is a unique putting surface similar to professional courses.

In addition to Southwest Greens, At Home Putting Greens (www.athomegreens.com) also installs these amenities. The company uses artificial surfaces that feel and act like grass and are guaranteed for at least 10 years with no maintenance required.

According to Nikki Fetingas, who has owned At Home Putting Greens for seven years, outdoor (or indoor) putting greens are a continually growing market. She estimates 80 percent of her business entails the residential outdoor greens.

“This year we are busier than we’ve ever been. I think people are staying in their homes and investing in these luxurious items more and more,” Fetingas says. “A putting green is fun and unique – it provides the opportunity for physical activity for people of all ages. Golf is becoming a very popular game that you can play your entire life.”

At Home has installed putting greens for clients as old as 95, Fetingas says. Because putting makes up about half of the game, the ability to practice at home at any time appeals to all demographics.

In addition to basic holes and golf simulators, there are also contoured greens available, so players have straight and curved putts similar to greens on a golf course. Additionally, greens are fit within the existing dimensions and landscaping of the yard, so there is no inconvenience with installation.

“If you learn to read the breaks, we can even change the contour of the green,” Fetingas says. “If you’re a competitor, it gives you more practice time. If you just want to have fun with your friends, or if you want to wind down after a long day, it’s always there. It’s something for everyone.”

And More
Although not as common in Central Ohio as in more temperate climates, the home court phenomenon is certainly catching on. And it extends beyond basketball and tennis courts and putting greens. You can install a baseball halo or batter’s box, a batting cage, or even a bocce ball court in your backyard.

The return on investment is a benefit of these backyard additions. You won’t have to spend money on gas going out of your way to the driving range every day, or pay admission or membership at the tennis club. But the biggest investments come with the things you can’t put a price tag on.

“The convenience factor is huge – not having to drive to go here or there,” Dodson says. “But so is the time something like this gives you and your family, your neighbors and your friends. Our whole idea is to bring the backyard back to the family, and that’s what this is all about.”

Alicia Kelso is editor of Luxury Living.