Best Of

Best Tennis Courts In Sacramento

May 29, 2015 / 5:00 AM PDT / CBS Sacramento

Tennis is a popular sport around the world, and can be played on asphalt, clay, rubber or various hardcourt surfaces. Wimbledon, the most well-known tournament in tennis' Grand Slam, was first held in 1877 and still plays on all-grass courts. With more than 370 tennis courts in Sacramento, residents of the capital city have plenty of options both indoors and out, including private clubs, schools and gyms. Sacramento public parks are some of the best places for tennis, whether you play like Steffi Graff or are more of a casual weekend player. So grab your racket, hit one of these great local courts and start lobbing.

McKinley Park
601 Alhambra Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 452-8011
www.portal.cityofsacramento.org

McKinley is a hub of activity for the East Sacramento and downtown areas, with features eight well-kept hardcourt tennis courts. This city park does not take public reservations for play, but there typically is not much of a wait with so many courts to choose from. A fountain next to the tennis area offers fresh water and court time is free. McKinley is a lush, beautiful park, with 32 acres of amenities like horseshoe pits, wading and swimming pools, a garden and arts center, extensive play areas for the kids and spots for all ages to play basketball, softball, soccer and volleyball. The Sacramento Area Tennis Association has a McKinley Park tennis club.

Southside Park
2115 6th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 808-5200
www.portal.cityofsacramento.org

There are only two tennis courts on Southside's more than 19 acres, but they are well maintained and well lit after dark. There are no reservations taken, but other players are normally polite about letting others take a turn. If non-playing friends or family members come with you to the courts, the park has numerous ways to keep them entertained. Southside features a jogging trail, picnic spots, swimming pools, playground, amphitheater, fitness station and even a lake to fish. The park is adjacent to the lot where a popular certified farmer's market is held each Sunday, year-round. Operated by the City of Sacramento, there is no charge to use the tennis courts.

Sheldon Park
6000 Orange Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 428-1171
www.southgaterecandpark.net

Southgate Recreation and Park district operates this public park that includes six clean and lighted outdoor tennis courts. There are no fees or reservations required for use of the courts, so stop by and feel free to channel your inner Steffi Graff. Fresh water and public restrooms are available, and the park has covered picnic areas, a playground and fields for softball, soccer and baseball.

Miller Park
8480 Sunset Ave.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 966-1036
www.fairoakspark.org

You do not have to have the skills of Serena Williams or Roger Federer to enjoy this public park, operated by the Fair Oaks Recreation and Parks department. There are eight no-cost tennis courts, which are beautifully maintained and well lit. There is also a backboard court available so players can do some solo practice of their serve and drop shots. Miller has picnic areas, basketball courts, a horseshoe pit and a small, clean playground for the kids. The park is also home to the Fair Oaks Racquet Club, which features a singles and doubles ladder for women and a growing program for men.

Ed Mitchell Park
306 Willow Creek Dr.
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 984-2850
www.folsom.ca.us

This City of Folsom park has eight hard surface tennis courts and there are no court or member fees. No reservations can be made, but the well-lit courts can be used during the park's open hours of 7 a.m., one hour after sunset. Ed Mitchell is a very sports-focused park, with numerous playing fields for other games along with the tennis complex.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers business, employment, animal rescue, volunteerism and nonprofits. Her work can also be found at Examiner.com.