15 of the Coolest Public Tennis Courts in America!
How long have people enjoyed using a racket to smash a ball over a net and towards their opponent's general direction? Longer than you might think. The origins of tennis can be traced back to 12th century France, where monks played something called jeu de paume ("game of the palm"). True to its name, players hit the ball with their hand.
Around the 16th century, rackets began being used; Henry VIII was a huge fan of the game, and his court at Hampton Court Palace still exists. The English influence on tennis remains with the annual tournament at Wimbledon, which began in 1877 (and at which female players had to wear full-length dresses).
Since those polite days, tennis has gotten more vigorous and intense; the longest tournament match recorded took place at Wimbledon in 2010, when the contest between American John Isner and Frenchmen Nicolas Mahut lasted 3 days (Isner eventually won).
There are something like 28 million tennis players in America, and 250,000 courts to accommodate them. Whether you're up for a friendly game or want to work on your dream of dominating the U.S. Open, check out these great public courts.
1. Frick Park Clay Tennis Club, Pittsburgh, PA
They were among the first public clay courts in America when they opened in 1930, and hosted more than its share of championship matches. In 2007, a non-profit group formed to restore and maintain these historic courts. A team of volunteers meticulously keeps them in great shape.
2. The Jimmy Evert Tennis Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jimmy was champion Chris Evert's dad and trained her - so clearly there's something to be said for this place. It's known as one of the top public tennis courts in the country, with 18 lighted clay courts and three hard courts. Maybe some of Chrissie's talent will rub off?
3. Kirk Munroe Park, Miami, FL
Locals fondly refer to these public courts in the Coconut Grove neighborhood as "Tennis Park." There are five courts, all well-maintained. It's also well-lit for night play, which, considering the Florida heat, is kind of necessary!
4. Oz Park, Chicago, IL
This family-friendly park features several hard courts for tennis. But one of the fun fringe benefits are the enormous "Wizard of Oz" statues dotting the park. Maybe Dorothy can make a wish, click her ruby slippers together and improve your overhead serve?
5. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club, Charles City, IA
It's a little like "Field of Dreams," but for tennis. On his family farm, Mark Kuhn carved a grass court out of a former cattle feed lot. Originally, it was just meant for he and his friends to have their "Wimbledon experience. " But now, visitors can swing by to play a set (just make a reservation first).
6. City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center, New Orleans, LA
If you're ready to work off all those beignets and jambalaya, you won't do better than this fantastic public facility. It was renovated a few years back and features 26 lighted courts (16 hard, 10 clay), a practice court with a backboard and comfy clubhouse.
7. Bush Tennis Center, Midland, TX
You'll know you're playing in Texas "oil country," because the courts are surrounded by oil pumpjacks. This excellent public facility was developed to expand the sport in the state after many courts had closed. Choose from 18 full-size courts, a lighted stadium court or eight "mini" courts for kids 10 and under.
8. WimbleDon, Baker City, OR
Formerly known as Granger Grass Tennis Courts, they were built in the 1990s after the original owner experienced playing on grass for the first time. In 2007, they were sold to jewelry maker, Don McClure (hence, the name change). He and his wife maintain the four courts, which draw players from all over.
9. Alice Marble Tennis Courts, San Francisco
There are four courts (two doubles, two singles) named after the American champion who won 18 Grand Slam titles from 1936 to 1940. Located in George Sterling Park, you'll also have incredible views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. So you can be excused for fudging your backhand.
10. Desert Springs Tennis Club at the JW Marriot Resort, Palm Desert, CA
Whether you're staying at the resort or crashing at a nearby friend's house, you'll want to check out the world-class courts. There are 20 altogether, including two stadium grass courts. Tennis magazine ranks the resort as one of the 10 best in America.
11. Palisades Tennis Center, Pacific Palisades, CA
It's a favorite among the L.A. crowd, for the facilities and available instructors. If you need to take a break before your next set, you might catch stars like Kate Hudson and Diane Keaton playing on the next court over. No wonder this was where cable TV's "Tennis Channel was born.
12. Oliver's Red Clay Tennis Courts, Wellfleet, MA
If you're headed to Cape Cod, pack your racket: these seven well-maintained clay courts are open to the public from spring to the middle of autumn. They were built in the '60s by tennis fan, Jim Oliver, and his family still keeps them in fantastic shape.
13. International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport, RI
This historic site hosted the first U.S. Open in 1881, and is the closest thing to Wimbledon outside of England. There are 13 manicured grass courts to choose from, but it'll cost you: about $110 an hour.
14. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY
The home of the U.S. Open, this 42-acre site is the largest public tennis facility anywhere in the world. It's open every day, except for some holidays and the month around the Open. Plus, you're playing right next to the site of the 1964 World's Fair (the Unisphere is its most famous "leftover").
15. Vanderbilt Tennis Club, New York, NY
It's probably the only tennis court inside a train station. Located on the fourth floor of Grand Central Station, there's a regulation indoor hardcourt, a junior court and two practice lanes. But fees to play can add up, anywhere from $75 to $225 an hour, depending on day and time.