The Parks Department has poured $8 million into new and renovated tennis facilities since 2006, and it will be laying out $4 million more over the next year�a big chunk of which goes toward rebuilding sixteen Bronx courts displaced by the new Yankee Stadium. Those open in 2009; right now, there are roughly 550 public courts, including this perfectly groomed clay one at Riverside Park, near West 96th Street. The necessary seasonal pass, good through November, is $100; single-play passes are $7. Get either at the Arsenal in Central Park (830 Fifth Ave., nr. 64th St.; 212-360-8131) or renew last year’s pass at nycgovparks.org. For more places to perfect your jump smash, click ahead.
- The Boot-Camp Getaway
- No matter your skill level, two butt-busting days will get you tennis ready by Monday morning.
- This Court Is Now in Session
- The six best courts in the city, keyed to the tennis personality they most closely resemble.
- Where to Put the Ice Packs
- An orthopedic surgeon breaks down the city’s most popular surfaces.
- When the Racquet’s Bigger Than You Are
- Classes, clinics, and hit-arounds for kids.
- Racquets for Rookies
- Two local racquetologists recommend racquets based on age and gender.
- More Stuff You Should Buy
- Essential tennis gear.
- Tennis Yentas
- Finding a playing partner on the Web is akin to dating online.