Tennis Courts

Tennis has a long history in Central Park and has been played in this location since the 1880s, when the sport was beginning to grow in popularity in the United States.

Early “courts” involved the simple installation of temporary nets in various lawns throughout the Park, with markings in chalk to demarcate the play area, so that the lawn could be used for other purposes. In 1910, permanent courts were created in a meadow just north of the Reservoir. This regular presence led to the creation of a fieldhouse with facilities for tennis players, which was built in 1930.

The Tennis House, which contains the Park’s tennis courts, was the first completely new building to be added to the Park in the 20th century. This site now hosts the City’s largest set of public tennis courts, with 26 clay courts and four hard courts, available for play with a permit from NYC Parks.

Things you can do here

  • Activities

    Tennis

    The Central Park Tennis Center is the City’s largest set of public courts with twenty-six clay and four hard playing surfaces.

    Tags: Health & Fitness

    • Also in the area

    Read more

  • Things to See and Do

    Stories from Central Park

    We set out to capture some of their stories and create a picture of the Park on an average day, through our visitors' eyes.

    Tags: Families / Summer

  • Things to See and Do

    From the Mailbag: Solitude, Sports, and Skyline Views

    We received curious inquiries on everything from the best places to take skyline photos to the history of the Minton tile ceiling in the Bethesda Terrace Arcade.

    Tags: Tips for Visiting

  • Things to See and Do

    How to Be Active This Summer in Central Park

    Want to get moving in New York City’s backyard? We’ve got you covered.

    Tags: Summer / Tips for Visiting