Calgary Tennis Club
Summer in Calgary is usually short, bracketed by enough rain and snow in the spring and fall to mean that outdoor tennis has never really caught on for a city of this size. So, while the hard-core tennis fanatics swing their rackets in May, when the public courts open for the season, most of us don’t begin to think about tennis until the last “Yahoo!” of Stampede is only a memory.
Luckily, even though the availability of courts is somewhat limited, the City maintains 179 outdoor courts at approximately 66 locations where the public can play for free. And 33 community associations provide access to outdoor courts in their communities, restricted at times to community residents, but not always.
In addition, tennis players can enjoy a refined game or two at private clubs throughout the city, indoors and outdoors, most offering relatively swanky facilities and amenities.
Here, then, are a few of the best spots to play tennis in the city.
Calgary Tennis Club
Where to find it:
1445 16 St. S.W., 403-244-5302, calgarytennisclub.com
Cost:
Single adult membership $325/year, with couple, family, student, senior, junior and early bird rates.
Why we love it:
The crme de la crme of tennis in Calgary – the club has evolved from its downtown roots in 1889 to a stunning facility with six hard and three clay courts and a full-service clubhouse. Members can compete in intra-club tournaments or enjoy social recreation and have lessons and camps available to them throughout the summer.
Elbow Park Tennis Club
Where to find it:
800 34 Ave. S.W., 403-287-2834, eptc.ws
Cost:
New single adult membership $270/year, with couple, family, junior, student, returning member and Glencoe Club member rates. Also reasonable guest fees.
Why we love it:
These five courts – “the best clay courts in Calgary” – are owned by the Elbow Park Residents Association and operated by The Glencoe Club. Like the Calgary Tennis Club, Elbow Park enforces a dress code, which may put some people off, but it may also be one of the rules that appeals the most. Set in the park called Elbow Park and featuring a quaint clubhouse, this club will have you craving a gin and tonic after your match.
Stanley Park Tennis Courts
Where to find it:
42 Ave. and 1A St. S.W.
Cost:
Free
Why we love it:
Six hard courts nestled against the hillside and the Elbow River, and tucked back in a corner of Stanley Park, the jewel in the crown of beautiful parks in Calgary, make this one of the great free tennis experiences in the city.
Ramsay Tennis Courts
Where to find it:
2040 Ramsay St. S.E.
Cost:
Free
Why we love it:
Whereas other public courts are in constant use throughout the summer, making it more than difficult to get a rally going, let alone an entire game, at least one of the three courts up on Scotsman’s Hill in Ramsay seems always to be available. Of course, now that everyone knows about it, it won’t be.
Bridgeland Tennis Courts
Where to find it:
8 St. N.E. and McPherson Rd. N.E.
Cost:
Free
Why we love it:
Two sweet little hard courts sit in this quiet neighbourhood on the other side of Memorial Drive north of St. Patrick’s Island. With only two courts, it’s easy to get bumped, as players cede the court within 30 minutes of any player who arrives after – or, at least they’re supposed to. Still, you get at least a half hour of play.
Acadia Athletic Park Tennis Courts
Where to find it:
315 90 Ave. S.E.
Cost:
Free
Why we love it:
Not so much for the six courts themselves – though they’re great – but because this is the location of the practically brand new Team Tennis adult league, which the Racquet Network has been trying to get off the ground for at least 10 years. Now in its second summer offering team league play, the program seems to be a success. (tenniscalgary.ca)
Of course, the courts are available to the public for free at all times other than Tuesday and Thursday evenings when the league isn’t playing.