After spending 30+ years designing and building outdoor recreation spaces across Arizona, I've learned that choosing the right backyard amenity isn't just about picking what looks cool in a catalog. It's about understanding your family's needs, your space constraints, and most importantly - how these features hold up in the hot desert climate. Let me break down the real pros and cons of each option based on what I've seen work (and sometimes fail) in hundreds of Arizona yards.
Sport Courts
Throughout the years designing and installing residential sport courts, I've witnessed countless moments of pure joy as homeowners step onto their newly completed courts for the first time. While basketball and sand volleyball courts used to be the most popular installations, the landscape of backyard sports has evolved significantly. Today's homeowners are increasingly also asking me about pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, and versatile multi-sport surfaces. Though each type of court requires specific technical expertise to install properly, they all share one thing in common: they transform backyards into the perfect spaces for recreation and family entertainment.

The Good Stuff When Considering a Sport Court
* Year-round usability with proper surfacing - Those premium acrylic coatings are worth every penny; they can keep surface temperatures much cooler than standard asphalt and create the perfect non-stick, non-reflective surface.
* Multi-generational appeal - I've watched families use these from when their kids were learning to dribble through their teenage years and beyond.
* Fantastic for property value - Depending on the size and detail, a well-designed sport court can add $10,000-20,000 to home's value which becomes especially helpful when it comes time to get home appraisals or list the home for sale.
* Versatility - Modern courts can accommodate basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and even badminton or bocci ball with proper planning.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
* Significant initial investment - You're likely looking at $35,000-65,000 for a quality multi-sport court with proper drainage and lighting.
* Takes up considerable space - You'll need at least 30' x 60' for a practical multi-use court.
* May requite extra structures for best usability - Without proper shade systems in place, summer afternoon use can be very hot, making the sport court mighty uncomfortable to use.
Trampolines
There's something magical about watching kids discover a trampoline for the first time. I'll never forget the first few squeals of delight from my own kids years ago when they discovered our new trampoline all set up on Christmas morning. They used that thing almost every day for years!
For my clients with children or even teenagers who are interested in making their backyard a regular place for hang outs, having a trampoline set up creates an automatic magnet to getting kids outside to play. It is often also the first place friends and guests head towards after walking through that backyard patio door.
There are a lot of different options for both above and in-ground trampolines and while I won't get into the nitty gritty in this article, I have listed a few pros and cons below to help you when deciding if a trampoline is the right option for your backyard play area.

The Good Stuff When Considering a Trampoline
* Incredible exercise potential - Jumping burns more calories per hour than jogging.
* Relatively affordable entertainment - Trampolines will run you about $500-10,000 depending on in-ground vs above-ground.
* Kids absolutely love them - I've never installed one that didn't get used regularly!
* Great for developing balance and coordination- Back flips, toe touches, and somersaults anyone?
The Not-So-Good Stuff
* Safety concerns are real - Depending on your style and installation, you'll need proper netting and padding
* Damage and replacement parts are common - Unfortunately, high monsoon winds can potentially damage trampolines if they hit your yard just right. (I've literally seen them fly over walls and into pools). Also, the nets and pads break down over time and will need to be replaced.
* Surface underneath needs regular maintenance - In-ground trampolines are well known for being a place of missing socks and shoes and possible animal nesting. Above ground trampolines may need to be moved periodically to mow, trim and maintain underneath.
Play Structures and Swing Sets
Play structures have come such a long way from the simple metal swing sets I grew up with. One of my favorite projects was a mini "Ninja Warrior" style setup complete with rock climbing walls, rope bridges, and slides for a large family in Gilbert. The parents said their kids had been dreaming about a Ninja Warrior system for years and were so excited to finally have their very own to practice on.

The Good Stuff When Considering a Play Structure or Swing Set
* Perfect for younger children (typically ages 3-12)
* Can be customized with slides, climbing walls, and various attachments
* Modern materials are incredibly durable in our climate
* Creates a dedicated "kid zone" in the yard
The Not-So-Good Stuff
* Limited time being used - Kids might outgrow them relatively quickly
* Quality sets are pricey - Plan $2,000-15,000 for commercial-grade equipment
* Require significant safety surfacing area - The recommended is a minimum 6' clearance on all sides.
* Need regular maintenance to prevent sun damage - Like most things sitting in the hot Arizona sun year round, play structures may need to have paintings or sealings done on their surfaces from time to time.
Putting Greens
One of my favorite putting green projects was for a retired couple in Queen Creek who wanted to perfect their short game without driving to the course every day. We designed a 400-square-foot green with subtle breaks and multiple different cup locations, surrounded by desert landscaping. They love using the putting green themselves and now their backyard is also a great place to hangout with their grandkids when they come over.

The Good Stuff When Considering a Putting Green
* Usable year-round with minimal maintenance
* Great resale feature in Arizona markets
* Modern synthetic turf looks incredibly realistic
* Can be used for both practice and entertainment
* Perfect for evening use after work
The Not-So-Good Stuff
* High-quality installation isn't cheap ($12-25 per square foot)
* Requires periodic brushing and rolling to maintain true ball roll
* Can get quite hot in direct sunlight in the summer months
Making Your Decision
Here's what I tell all my clients - when trying to decide what the best sport court or play structure is for your yard, start by answering these questions:
1. Who will use it most often? (Age ranges matter hugely here)
2. What's your realistic budget including site prep and accessories?
3. How much usable space do you actually have?
4. Are you willing to deal with regular maintenance or upkeep?
One more recommendation from my years of experience: be aware of the space you have available and don't try to squeeze too much in if there isn't the room to do so. The most successful yards I've designed usually focus on doing one or two things really well rather than trying to incorporate every possible feature. And please, ignore what "everyone else" is doing in their outdoor spaces and instead, figure out what is on the top of your family's wish list. When well designed, you really can have a nice outdoor space with both fun and function.
Here's my final piece of advice - whatever you choose, invest in quality materials and professional installation. Our desert sun is unforgiving, and cutting corners usually leads to expensive repairs down the road. Trust me, I've seen enough DIY disasters to know that doing it right the first time is always cheaper in the long run.
I hope this guide has been helpful but if you need more help, most reputable landscape companies (including us!) offer free consultations where we can look at your specific space and help you choose the perfect feature for your family's needs. If you're ready to find out more about how to best incorporate a sport court or play area into your outdoor living space, click the link below to set up a free consultation.