The Portland Tennis Center, located across the street from the Franz Bakery in Northeast Portland, is perhaps the only place where the sound of the thwack! of a struck tennis ball mingles with the aroma of baking bread.
The tennis center unveiled its new outdoor courts last month. The improvements to the existing courts were paid for by a $50k Nike grant and a 20k grant from the United States Tennis Association's Pacific Northwest chapter. The grants were matched by the City of Portland.
The bright blue and green outdoor courts have been completely redone. Now pristine, they have new fencing, net post nets, and windscreens. There's an asphalt overlay and proper drainage for Portland's heavy rains, so they won't crack like many outdoor courts. Grant Park's courts, for instance, were resurfaced just a few years ago but are already cracking.
"They're wonderful and slow," commented tennis center regular Fraser, who attends PTC's Friday evening tennis mixers. "It's like playing on clay."
But the welcome improvements come with a price tag for players.
The Center, which is operated by Portland Parks & Recreation, used to allow use of its outdoor courts for free. Now non-members will have to cough up $12 to play outside. Indoor courts prices remain the same: $24 for non-members.
Portland Tennis Center director Mike Stone says reaction to the new courts has been enthusiastic. "People understand the fee. There are over 100 free courts in Portland, and these are the only eight that you have to pay for."
Portland Tennis Center
324 NE 12th Avenue
Portland, OR
503.823.3189
pdx10s.com
