LET'S PLAY SOME TENNIS!
Champions has all new Courts. There are four new tennis courts at Schiller Park in German
Village and two new tennis courts at Sawyer Recreation Center
on the near east side of town.
The Columbus Recreation & Parks Department along with the Greater Columbus Tennis Association offers Youth and Adult Tennis lessons
at many of our community recreation centers. These lessons are for the beginner to the advanced player. Lessons are offered at various times
for the various skill levels.
Remember, at Columbus Recreation and Parks
"Something for everyone...Naturally!"
Youth Tennis Program
The Columbus Recreation & Parks
Department Youth Tennis Program
The Youth Tennis Program consists of various programs offered at many of
the community recreation centers. CRPD offers programs in both the indoor season (Sept.-May) and the summer season (June-August).
The programs listed below are mainly offered during the summer season. For information on programs during the indoor season, contact
your nearest recreation center, or just check out the page on the CRPD website!
During the summer season, the department has various
programs for youth ages 4-18. There is the Tennis Tots Program for ages 4-5 & 6-8. There is the USA Tennis 1,2,3 National Junior
Tennis League for ages 9-14. Both of these programs are free to any child who participates! The department also offers 2 one-week camps
during summer session for ages 7-12. Cost for the camp is $69 per child. Please see below for more information on any of these wonderful programs!
TENNIS TOTS:
This program is an introduction to tennis fundamentals for children
ages 4-6 & 6-8 and is held at various recreation centers. Class is held once a week for 45 minutes. Check with your local
center for a schedule of this program.
USA TENNIS 1,2,3 NATIONAL JUNIOR TENNIS LEAGUE:
This program offers instruction and match
play for the beginning player. The program gives participants the opportunity to receive instruction as well as experience match
competition. All players receive coaching once a week and will also participate in match play weekly. Travel is required (some
transportation provided) to the weekly match. NJTL is offered at 22 recreation centers around the City of Columbus. Contact your
local center for a site near you.
TENNIS CAMP:
The department offers 2 one-week tennis camps during the summer season.
The camp is a week filled with tennis instruction, drills, and games. Novice players will gain a better understanding of the game while
learning basic skills. Intermediate and advanced players will enhance their skills and develop on-court strategies for match play.
All skill levels will end the week with fun "Challenger Tournaments." Lunchtime will be filled with fun non-tennis activities;
movies, nature, climbing wall, and picnic games! There is a limited number of tennis racquets available for use! All tennis balls will be
provided! The 2005 Tennis Camps will be held from June 20-24 at Whetstone Tennis Courts, 3923 N. High St. (Whetstone Recreation Center) and
July 11-15 at Wolfe Park, 105 Park Drive. Cost for the camps is $69 per child age 7-12. The camp operates from 9 am- 4 pm with NO
flexible drop-off or pick-up times! For more information on this camp or any of our other camps during the summer season, contact 645-7000!
Adult Tennis Program
The Columbus Recreation & Parks Department Adult Tennis Program is offered
at a few of our sites during the Spring, Summer, & Fall seasons. Certified instructors teach lessons for 7 weeks each season.
Lessons are for the beginner to the advanced player. In conjunction with the Greater Columbus Tennis Association, these lessons give
adults a chance to learn skills needed for tennis and also a chance to improve their game for match play. Currently, we have lessons
offered at 2 sites, Woodward Park and Carriage Place (Antrim Park). You must go to the recreation center to register and make payment
prior to your first class. Each participant is required to bring 2 cans of balls for each session! If you need further assistance, please
contact either the recreation center you wish to play at or call Kelly Hoffman @ Woodward Park, 645-3158. Sites and days may be changed
depending on the number of participants!
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department also sponsors a
summer tennis tournament. The Central Ohio Tennis Tournament is
the longest running tennis tournament in central Ohio. It is part of the
Grand
Prix Circuit. Players can compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
There are age divisions, and there is an open division. A wheelchair
tennis division has been added to the tournament. There is an $10 per person
per event fee.
The GCTA helps provide
money for equipment and salaries in
these tennis programs. A Tennis Council, made up of area residents
who are interested in the support of tennis at the parks level and strongly
supported by the
GCTA, makes decisions as to what to support and
how to spend money through the
Parks Department to provide community
residents with a great tennis experience.
