The Brooklyn Tennis Racket

Tennis season reaches its pinnacle every year around this time–thanks in part to the sight of Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams on your television since May–and whether you’re a passionate amateur player or a beginner, you may feel the urge to head out to one of the city’s many public courts (though maybe not today). We’ve scouted out some of the prime tennis spots around Brooklyn (and one in Queens) for you.

What you’ll need

Permits: You have some options here. For $7, you can get a single-day pass for one hour on a public court. Most courts in Manhattan (should you decide to go there to play) have someone keeping track of permits and schedules, but in Brooklyn it’s a bit more lax. There might be some days where there’s not enough man power to have an attendant at every court. Nevertheless, it’s always good to have a couple on hand.

Another option is the $100 permit for the season. Keep in mind that tennis season runs until the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Get the season pass if you’re going to be out there frequently and keep its expiration date in mind. You can purchase permits online, or in person at Paragon Sports and the Brooklyn Permit Center. Court reservation passes for use at Prospect Park and Central Park may only be purchased by season pass holders

Balls: Yes, they matter. If you’re playing on a hard court look for tennis balls marked “extra duty.” They have more felt, allowing them to last longer against the rough texture of the surface. Go for “regular” duty if you’re going to be on a clay or Har-Tru. These balls have less fuzz, so they won’t get heavy (from picking up clay) or fluffy during extended play on these surfaces.

Strings: Try and get your rackets restrung at least once a year. Extended periods of tension on the racket’s grommets are bad for the frame. Getting your racket restrung can cost anywhere from $15-60, depending on what type of string you use. At sports stores like Paragon in Union Square, labor is already added in the price. Beginners should generally be looking on the lower end of the price scale.

The Courts

Fort Greene Park
718-722-3218
The six hard court courts at Fort Greene Park (pictured below) need some work. There are a few cracks which lead to bad bounces, and some of the nets need repair. But despite all of this, there’s a budding tennis community. The Fort Greene Tennis Association, an active group of tennis-minded individuals, hosts tournaments and social events to raise the funds needed to resurface and repair the courts.

What you’ll find here is an active community and future hitting partners. The afternoons, like most public tennis courts, are the prime time to go.

Aces: Active community. Improvements are on the way. Nice setting.
Faults: Courts need improvement, but are playable.

Prospect Park
50 Parkside Avenue
718-436-2500
The Prospect Park tennis center is Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park. The 11 courts are a combination of Har-Tru and hard courts. The Har-Tru surface holds up better under the elements, and is softer on the knees. These courts also prolong rallies because they dull the pace of the ball. The hard courts are in pretty good shape thanks to bubbling during the winter.

This great facility hasn’t gone unnoticed. You may need a court reservation pass to get on a court here, and nighttime hours are more expensive. There are also lessons available, for both groups and individuals. On a recent Sunday morning, there were a few courts open, but it’s probably best to get a season pass along with court reservation passes.

Aces: Lessons. Great Courts. A variety of surfaces. Online reservation form. Lights allow play until 11pm.
Faults: Busy. Can be expensive.

Leif Ericson Courts
Dyker Heights
66th St & 8th Ave
718-259-4016
The place sounds more like Nordic wonderland than a tennis mecca, but there’s action here. The nine courts are of the hard court variety and the prime time to find an open spot seems to be the morning while the glut of play takes place around 4pm (as visited on a recent weekend). Unfortunately some of the courts have cracks and need to be resurfaced. Ideally, these courts are probably best for beginners where a wayward bounce here and there won’t affect play as they would in a competitive match.

Aces: Not too busy. Good number of courts.
Faults: Some of the courts need to be resurfaced.

Marine Park
Jamaica Bay
Fillmore Ave. & Stuart St.
718-376-1675
If you want to play on one of the 15 courts here, the late afternoon/early evening or the morning are the best times. The waits aren’t too bad, but try to get a spot toward the middle of the facility as there’s the least wear and tear on these courts.

While Marine Park is great find for far South Brooklynites, the commute can be rough for everyone else, though the park is enormous and has bocce courts, baseball fields, even a cricket field–but that’s another post. The closest train is the B at King’s Highway, which is a 15-20 minute walk away from the facilities. After a couple hours of tennis, that walk can feel a bit longer. Here’s hoping your hitting partners have cars.

Aces: Lots of courts. Wait isn’t bad.
Faults: Lack of regular advanced players. Some of the courts are showing signs of wear and tear. Commute.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows, Queens
718-760-6200
The 7 train, the trek to another borough, the commute–it’s all worth it. The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is home to over 30 of the best courts you’ll find in the city. The deco-turf surfaced courts are beautifully maintained, well lit, and there’s even a set of indoor courts to play on when the weather doesn’t cooperate. For 11 months out of the year, BJK is open to the public (the U.S. Open fortnight is the exception).

The only drawback is the price. Playing here can cost you anywhere from $20-$68 per hour. Play starts as early as 6am and runs until midnight. Lessons are also available. BB tip: try and book two hours before closing time. Sometimes no one will show for that closing hour and you may be able to get a second hour of play for free.

Aces: Courts are in great shape. Tons of courts. Lessons available. Great facility.
Faults: Play can be expensive. Commute.

There are lots more public courts around Brooklyn including McCarren Park in Greenpoint/Williamsburg and Van Voorhees Park on Columbia St. Share your faves, and tips, in the comments.

Text and photos by Alex Abad-Santos, sent by Annaliese.