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140+ years of tennis history

Central ParkTennis Center

Where tennis history meets Manhattan magic. Play on America's most iconic courts in the heart of NYC.

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Central Park Tennis Center with Manhattan skyline
Historic Tennis House

Built in 1930 - first new building in Central Park in the 20th century

30
courts
$15
per hour

Tennis in America's most famous park

Central Park Tennis Center isn't just a place to play tennis—it's where tennis history lives. From the first temporary courts in 1884 to today's world-class Har-Tru facility, these courts have witnessed over 140 years of American tennis evolution.

From grass courts to tennis legend

What started as temporary chalk-marked courts on Central Park's meadows in 1884 has evolved into NYC's largest public tennis facility. The permanent courts established in 1910 led to the construction of the iconic Tennis House in 1930.

Today's 26 Har-Tru clay courts and 4 hard courts serve over 5,000 players during peak season, making it a true tennis destination where recreational players share the same courts where tennis legends practice during the US Open.

Central Park Tennis Center courts with city backdrop
Court data & insights

Understanding Central Park tennis

Real data about court usage patterns and player demographics at NYC's premier public tennis facility

Daily court usage patterns

NYC's unique rhythm creates distinct usage patterns - from commuter dips to after-work peaks, plus the famous lunch-hour tennis culture.

10-12 PM
Peak Morning
12-1 PM
Lunch Tennis
5-7 PM
After Work

Player skill distribution

Central Park attracts NYC's diverse tennis community - from Wall Street executives to international visitors, creating a unique playing environment.

NYC Tennis Culture

The cosmopolitan mix includes international players, finance professionals, and tennis tourists from around the world

Court information

World-class facilities in Manhattan

30 premium courts

26 Har-Tru clay courts + 4 hard courts with professional-grade surfaces

26 Har-Tru clay courts
4 hard courts
Professional nets & equipment
Daily court maintenance

Historic Tennis House

Built in 1930, featuring locker rooms, pro shop, and full amenities

Locker rooms with showers
Pro shop & equipment rental
Court reservation services
First new CP building in 20th century

Manhattan location

Between 94th-96th Streets, easily accessible by subway and bus

B/C train to 96th Street
Multiple bus routes
5-minute walk from subway
Central Park West entrance

Celebrity connections

Where tennis stars practice during US Open and celebrities play year-round

US Open practice sessions
Celebrity recreational play
Movie & TV appearances
Tennis legend sightings

Lessons & programming

Professional instruction for all ages and skill levels

Adult lessons & camps
Youth programs
All skill levels welcome
No permit required for lessons

Seasonal operation

April through Thanksgiving with extended summer hours

April - Thanksgiving season
7 AM daily opening
Extended summer hours
Hard courts open year-round
Celebrity culture

Where tennis meets Hollywood & sports legends

Central Park's courts have hosted everyone from tennis legends to A-list celebrities, making it one of the most star-studded public tennis facilities in the world.

Tennis legends practice here

During the US Open, Central Park becomes a practice destination for tennis royalty. Players find it more convenient than traveling to Flushing Meadows, creating magical moments for recreational players who might find themselves on adjacent courts.

Notable players spotted:

• Roger Federer
• Maria Sharapova
• Williams Sisters
• Andy Murray
• Andy Roddick
• Bryan Brothers

Hollywood's tennis playground

As part of the world's most filmed location, Central Park's tennis courts have appeared in countless movies and TV shows, often serving as the backdrop for romantic comedies and New York lifestyle montages.

Celebrity recreational players:

• Liev Schreiber
• Taye Diggs
• John Lithgow
• Tracey Ullman
• Bono
• David Dinkins
Tennis history

140+ years of American tennis history

From temporary chalk courts in 1884 to today's world-class facility, Central Park has been at the heart of American tennis evolution.

The grass court era (1884-1910)

Tennis arrived in Central Park just 11 years after the sport was introduced to America. The first courts were temporary chalk markings on grass meadows, with hundreds of courts springing up by the early 1900s.

The Tennis House legacy (1930)

The Tennis House holds the distinction of being the first completely new building added to Central Park in the entire 20th century, marking tennis as a permanent fixture in the park.

Modern tennis destination

Today's Har-Tru surfaces serve over 5,000 players during peak season, making it a living monument to the democratization of sport in urban America.

Insider tips

Master Central Park tennis like a local

From securing prime court times to navigating NYC's unique tennis culture, here's what every Central Park player should know.

Reservation strategy

Book exactly 7 days in advance online
Call (212) 280-0205 for phone reservations
Walk-in sign-up sheets posted at 6:30 AM
Peak times: 10 AM-12 PM, 5-7 PM

Getting there

B/C train to 96th Street (5-min walk)
M10 bus to W 96th/Central Park West
Enter at 96th Street & Central Park West
Allow extra time during rush hour

NYC tennis etiquette

Smooth-soled tennis shoes mandatory
Maximum 6 balls per court
Maximum 4 players per court
Be ready to share court knowledge

Pro tip: the perfect Central Park tennis day

Book a morning court (10 AM-12 PM), play your match, grab lunch at the Loeb Boathouse, stroll through the park to see other attractions, then catch sunset from Bow Bridge. It's the quintessential NYC tennis experience!

Join NYC's most historic tennis community

Connect with players who share your passion for tennis and New York City. From Wall Street to Broadway, find your perfect hitting partners at America's most iconic courts.

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Find tennis players in NYC

Connect with the diverse tennis community across Manhattan and beyond

Bart Proost
Erik Adams
Ivan
Nalini Arora
Dan Zamylin
Carlos
Mike B
Morris
Sam Brown
Diane H
Achyut Vemuri
Stacy
Eric Williams
Tommy
Robert Petrosky
Mike
Soorya Srinivas
Quan T.
Mikhail Beltran
Yassine

Your neighbors
are looking for
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with right now

Tennis players looking for matches

  • Bart Proost (3.0)

    Location: Barrio Viejo

    Got a court booked at Vermont today Sat June 14, 4pm. Who’s up to play? I’m thinking singles at 4pm, some doubles at 5pm.

  • Erik Adams (3.0)

    Available to rally Saturday - Riverside, Scholl, Vermont… hit me up

  • Ivan (3.0)

    Location: Brooklyn

    looking to play in brooklyn

  • Nalini Arora (3.0)

    Location: Downtown Los Angeles

    Have tennis lined up for the week but open for the weekend.

  • Dan Zamylin (3.0)

    Location: Sherman Oaks

    Playing at VNSO this Sunday

  • Carlos (3.0)

    Location: Metrocenter/North Rhodes Park

    Playing at Echo Park tomorrow Thursday from 8 am till 12 noon / Doubles or singles

  • Mike B (3.0)

    Location: Rancho Park

    Any 3.0-3.5 players free to play this weekend?

  • Morris (4.0)

    Location: Del Aire

    I typically just rally and don't play sets. I'm in El Segundo so I play anywhere from South Bay to Santa Monica. Ready to play Today!!

  • Sam Brown (4.0)

    Singles tomorrow at or around 5pm????

  • Diane H (3.0)

    currently have torn rotator cuff -cant play

  • Achyut Vemuri (4.0)

    Location: Pasadena

    Interested in rallies, marches, singles, doubles… just want to play and have fun!

  • Stacy (2.5)

    Location: Los Angeles

    About a 2.5. Love doubles but play singles, as well.

  • Eric Williams (3.0)

    Location: Wilshire Montana

    Would love a hit tomorrow between 11am and 3pm at the Christine Emerson Reed Tennis Courts in Santa Monica!

  • Tommy (4.0)

    Hi! Anyone free to play tomorrow (Monday) after 2pm but before 6pm? Poinsettia preferable but Vermont or Riverside ok. 4.0+

  • Robert Petrosky (2.5)

    Location: South Los Angeles

    Anyone wanna play Sunday around noon?

  • Mike (3.5)

    Location: Los Angeles

    4.0 Doubles anyone?

  • Soorya Srinivas (3.5)

    Location: Marina Del Rey

    Looking to hit today, I have courts I can book for free in Marina Del Rey. I am available from 3pm and 5:30pm

  • Quan T. (3.5)

    Location: West Los Angeles

    Looking for a 3.5-4.0 player for today 05/01 from 3PM-5PM at Cheviot Hills. Court is ready! Sorry for the last minute

  • Mikhail Beltran (3.0)

    Location: Northeast Los Angeles

    Will be at Hermon Park early morning practicing serves. Anyone up to rally from 9-11am?

  • Yassine (3.5)

    Location: Castle Heights

    Anyone 3 to 4 available to rally at 6pm in Marvista??

Find your next tennis partner

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