Quick Guide: Your Spokane Tennis FAQs
Whether you're a new resident or a visitor to the Lilac City, here are quick answers to get you on the court.
How to find hitting partners for matches and rallies? (Visitor/Resident)
The best digital resource to find immediate hitting partners is local Facebook groups like Spokane Tennis, which helps connect players of all levels. For new residents seeking organized play, joining the Tennis Association of Greater Spokane (TAGS) leagues during Spring and Summer is the premier way to meet evenly matched players.
What are the best ways to get court time if visiting for 7 days?
For visitors, public parks like Manito Park and Liberty Park are your best bet. Public courts in Spokane are largely free and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Private clubs like the Spokane Racquet Club or Central Park Tennis have premium indoor and clay facilities, but visitor access rules (e.g., guest passes and fees) need confirmation directly with the clubs.
How do I join private or group lessons?
Lessons can be found via private clubs like the Spokane Racquet Club (which states its pro shop is open to non-members, though lesson access needs confirmation) or through independent pros utilizing public courts. Platforms like TeachMe.to or PlayYourCourt can also connect you with local instructors.
As a beginner (2.0) to intermediate (4.0) player, how do I connect with others?
Sign up for the Spring or Summer leagues with TAGS. They offer organized play tailored to different skill levels, allowing you to gradually improve and socialize. Additionally, check out group clinics that might be posted on community boards or at local indoor facilities during the winter.
Welcome to Spokane Tennis
For the avid tennis traveler or new resident, Spokane, Washington, offers a robust and welcoming tennis community set against a backdrop of beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery. With distinct seasons, the city relies on a strong network of scenic public outdoor courts for summer play and comprehensive indoor private facilities to keep the game alive during the snowy winters. The local community, anchored by the Tennis Association of Greater Spokane (TAGS), is passionate, friendly, and perfect for players who love meeting different people.
Part I: Spokane's Tennis Courts
Spokane provides a mix of scenic public park courts for the warmer months and private, climate-controlled indoor facilities essential for winter.
Public Parks: The Outdoor Scene
The City of Spokane Parks & Recreation maintains numerous free public courts across its neighborhoods. These courts generally operate on a first-come, first-serve basis (specific reservation policies need confirmation). Some of the notable public courts include:
- Manito Park: Located on the South Hill, this historic and beautiful 90-acre park (famous for its botanical gardens) features popular tennis courts that are heavily utilized during the summer.
- Liberty Park: Situated in East Central Spokane, this 22-acre park offers public courts accessible to the local community.
- Comstock Park: Another staple on the South Hill known for offering great recreational amenities.
Private Clubs: Year-Round Access
To survive the winter, serious players turn to Spokane's private clubs, which offer indoor courts and comprehensive amenities.
- Spokane Racquet Club (SRC): A member-owned institution for over six decades, SRC is the premier destination offering indoor courts, outdoor hard courts, and highly sought-after clay courts. The club offers stringing services and a pro shop that is open to the public (non-members), though specific guest fees and lesson access rules for non-members need confirmation.
- Central Park Tennis / North Park Tennis: These facilities offer premier indoor courts, featuring climate control with air conditioning for smoky summers and heating for winters. They host lessons, leagues, and tournaments. Membership is typically required, and guest policies need confirmation.
Part II: Communities & Competition
The heart of Spokane's organized tennis is its volunteer-driven associations.
Tennis Association of Greater Spokane (TAGS)
For over 50 years, TAGS has been the lifeblood of competitive and social tennis in the area. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, TAGS organizes highly popular Spring and Summer leagues for adults of various skill levels and age groups. Players in TAGS leagues arrange their own match times and locations, reporting scores online. They also support youth tennis with scholarships and summer leagues.
Grassroots & Social Matchmaking
Informal groups like Spokane Tennis on Facebook help connect players ranging from beginners to pros for recreational play and casual matches, proving invaluable for finding quick games.
Part III: Lessons & Coaching
Whether you're starting out or fine-tuning your game, Spokane has coaching options.
Facility-Based Programs
Private clubs like the Spokane Racquet Club and Central Park Tennis employ dedicated tennis pros offering group clinics and private lessons. Availability and pricing for non-members need confirmation directly with the clubs.
Independent Coaches
Independent instructors can often be found offering private lessons at public parks. Online platforms like TeachMe.to or local community boards are the best way to track down freelance coaches for one-on-one instruction.
Part IV: Shops & Services
Keeping your gear in top shape is easy in Spokane thanks to local expertise.
Local Pro Shops and Stringers
- Spokane Racquet Club Pro Shop: Located at the SRC, this shop explicitly states it is open to both members and non-members, offering quick turnaround times on stringing from multiple staff stringers, along with racquets, demos, and gear.
- Tennis of Spokane (Karen and David Benish): A deeply respected local business specializing in stringing tennis racquets for 38 years, also offering shoes, clothing, and accessories.
- Dicksons Tennis Service: Another local option in Spokane Valley offering quality racket repair, restringing, regriping, and grommet installation.