The new complex has eight courts around a central concrete plaza, with shade canopies, 10-foot-tall fencing with windscreens, ADA-accessible trail connections and expanded gravel parking. Site lighting and signage will be added later, with signage expected in early 2027.
Anne Melville and Vicki Michaelis began pushing for outdoor courts about five years ago, regularly bringing their requests to the city's Parks, Arts & Recreation Commission. Before the courts opened, Monticello players looking to play outdoors often traveled to Big Lake, Buffalo, Becker and St. Michael.
Melville thanked the Monticello City Council and the Park Board during public comment on Oct. 12. "That old saying about 'build it and they will come' has certainly happened," she said. "People have been out there enjoying themselves, unless it's raining."
The project was originally budgeted at $755,000, including a $254,170 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant. The city also identified local option sales tax revenue as a funding source for improvements at Bertram.
Melville said players have only a short time left to use the courts this year but will be back in full force next spring. Mayor Lloyd Hilgart suggested players could keep going in sweatpants and sweatshirts. "You're good till Thanksgiving anyway," he said.
