Guide to Birmingham tennis courts

Are you an avid tennis player who plays competitively? Or one of those people who just plays for fun with friends? Maybe you want to play tennis, but have no idea how? Our guide to tennis courts in Birmingham lets you skip the research and go straight to the game.

Throughout Birmingham there are tennis facilities for all ages and experience levels. With these facilities comes a demand for public use, and we found just the ones. Here are four public tennis courts in Birmingham that are a total “ace”.

Special recognition to Scott Spidell for the research and writing of this guide.

Highland Park Tennis Center

Address: 3300 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205

Hours: M-F – 8:30am-8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday – 8:30am-5pm

Claimed as “The Heartbeat of Tennis in Birmingham”, Highland Park Tennis Center provides you with quality instruction on how to improve your game. Located right next to Highland Park Golf Course, accessibility is major pro for this facility. For casual play, you have your choice of any of the 12 open tennis courts. Highland Park Tennis Center also offers a variety of tennis programs:

• Free intro lessons
• Tournaments
• Team tennis
• Round robins (all-play-all tournaments)
• Seniors 50+

James Lewis Tennis Center

Address: 2800 Avenue K, Birmingham, AL 35218

Hours: M-F – 3:30-8:30pm
Saturday – Noon-6pm
Sunday – 2pm-6pm

The James Lewis Tennis Center has 10 easily accessible tennis courts all located at the Ensley Park and Recreation Center. Other notable attractions include a pro shop, a gym, and racquet stringing services. James Lewis Tennis Center prides themselves on the easy-to-find location, family atmosphere, well-lit courts, and good relationships. The variety of programs include:

• New player adult programs
• Team tennis
• Tournaments
• Seniors 50+

George Ward Tennis Center

Address: 331 16th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205

Hours: M-T – 4-8pm
Friday – 1-5pm
Saturday – 9-5pm
Sunday – 2-7pm

George Ward Tennis Center, housed at George Ward Park, features eight courts, a pro shop, and additional services like racquet stringing. The courts are designed to accommodate all from kids to the retired. Adult lessons are offered at a very reasonable price, and the junior lessons (ages 5-18) are offered at a discount. These facilities are very nice and family friendly, as well. Can’t get much better than that. Programs you have to look forward to:

• Rally ball (10 and under)
• Adult USTA leagues
• Adult and junior lessons upon request

West Homewood Park

Address: 121 West Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama 35209

Hours: M-F – 6am-10pm

I played at these courts while growing up. The eight courts are open to the public and easily accessible as they are connected to the main Park. This relaxing and family friendly facility is never too crowded, so it’s a nice place to bring friends and family. Program offerings:

• 10 & under for beginners
• Cardio tennis
• Tennis lessons
• Adult clinics