Walk in the Park: Longboat Key Public Tennis Center

The tennis center serves up a good time for spectators and players alike.

  • By Nat Kaemmerer
  • | 10:51 a.m. July 29, 2019
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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A walk in the park this week takes on many, many short spurts of speed around a court. 

A clay court, that is. At the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, the sounds of players shuffling around the green clay dust, the rhythmic snaps of a well-hit shot and calls of scores fill the air. Under bright sun, members play tough tennis against each other, and it gets intense. 

The tennis center features 10 courts. Annual memberships range from a full-year family plan at $815 to a single seasonal plan at $160. Court fees for walk-ons are $13 for 90 minutes. Court reservations are available up to three days in advance for members and one day for walk-ons. Open play begins at 7:30 a.m. 

In addition to the courts, a fully stocked pro shop is available and lessons begin at $40 for half-hour sessions for passholders.

The tennis center is located at 590 Bay Isles Road.

 

Between the trees. Watch tennis from the deck of the tennis center.
Between the trees. Watch tennis from the deck of the tennis center.
If you're a beginner, you may have
If you're a beginner, you may have "fuzzy" memories of how to play.
Skip Walters works on his serve during practice with tennis pro Kay Thayer.
Skip Walters works on his serve during practice with tennis pro Kay Thayer.
Enrique Vela serves up a good start to a point.
Enrique Vela serves up a good start to a point.
Mel Taub and Marv Hart face off across the net.
Mel Taub and Marv Hart face off across the net.
Two groups of doubles players gather for water.
Two groups of doubles players gather for water.
The aftermath of tennis practice.
The aftermath of tennis practice.
Enrique Vela readies to return a shot.
Enrique Vela readies to return a shot.
Mark Guilford goes after the ball.
Mark Guilford goes after the ball.
Skip Walters practices his serve as Kay Thayer looks on.
Skip Walters practices his serve as Kay Thayer looks on.
Mel Tab and Enrique Vela shake hands after winning the game.
Mel Tab and Enrique Vela shake hands after winning the game.
Mark Guilford and Marv Hart shake hands with Mel Tab and Enrique Vela.
Mark Guilford and Marv Hart shake hands with Mel Tab and Enrique Vela.

 

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