Quick Guide
For Visitors & New Residents
Welcome to Yakima! Located in the heart of Washington wine country, Yakima is a hidden gem for the avid tennis traveler. It’s an ideal city to play tennis thanks to over 300 days of sunshine a year and a welcoming, active community of local organizers and players. Whether you love meeting different people for a casual hit, finding a competitive match, or simply enjoying top-tier indoor and outdoor facilities, Yakima's tight-knit tennis scene makes it incredibly easy to connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find hitting partners or matches in Yakima?
- The most reliable way for residents and visitors alike to find a hitting partner of similar skill is to check the local Yakima Tennis Club member networks or public matchmaking boards, or to participate in USTA PNW local leagues and Tennis Round's automatic player matching service which are actively used in the Yakima Valley.
- As a visitor, what's the best way to find a hitting partner?
- If you're only in town for a short time, reach out directly to the Yakima Tennis Club front desk to inquire about drop-in clinics, social round-robins, or guest matching services, as they are the hub of tennis activity.
- How can I get court time if I'm visiting for 7 days?
- For public courts, locations like Kissel Park and Franklin Park operate on a free, first-come, first-served basis (no reservations needed). For guaranteed indoor or premium outdoor times, contact the Yakima Tennis Club to inquire about their short-term visitor passes and guest court fees (specific guest pricing and availability needs confirmation directly with the club).
- How do I join private or group lessons?
- Both visitors and residents can book private or group lessons through the Yakima Tennis Club's certified pros or through independent local coaches listed on platforms like TennisProNow which serve the Yakima area.
- I'm a 2.0 - 4.0 player. How do I connect with others to play?
- Join the USTA leagues run out of the Yakima Tennis Club or utilize local public ladders at Kissel Park. Group clinics at the club are also a fantastic entry point for connecting with 2.0 to 4.0 players in a fun, social environment.
Tennis Courts in Yakima
Yakima offers a great mix of high-quality private facilities and accessible public parks for tennis players. (Note: Pickleball-only courts have been excluded from this guide).
Yakima Tennis Club
The Yakima Tennis Club is the premier tennis facility in Central Washington. It operates across two primary locations:
- Outdoor Facility (516 N. 35th Ave): Features 13 outdoor courts, 5 of which have lights for evening play. The setting is park-like and includes access to pools and the Courtside Cafe.
- Indoor Facility (2505 Fruitvale Blvd): Features 8 climate-controlled indoor courts, making year-round play possible regardless of the weather.
Access requires a membership, though visitors should call the club directly at (509) 248-2938 to confirm current guest fee policies and visitor access rules.
Emil Kissel Park
Located at 2958 W Mead Ave, Kissel Park is widely considered one of the best public parks for tennis in the city. The 17-acre multi-use park features a massive bank of 12 tennis courts. These courts are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the courts are not lighted for night play. (City park hours are generally 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., but confirm local signage for any seasonal changes).
Franklin Park
Situated at 2101 Tieton Dr, Franklin Park is a popular, centrally-located green space. The park recently underwent resurfacing and currently maintains 3 dedicated outdoor hard tennis courts. They are free to the public and unlit. Like Kissel, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lessons & Coaching
Private & Group Lessons
Whether you are picking up a racket for the first time or looking to refine your tournament play, Yakima has options. The Yakima Tennis Club employs professional instructors available for both private and group lessons for members (and potentially guests, subject to confirmation). Additionally, networks like TennisProNow operate in the area and can match you with local independent coaches.
Summer Programs
During the summer months, youth and adult tennis programs expand significantly. Look for USTA PNW RecTennis programs hosted in public parks, focusing on accessible, fun introductions to the sport.
Shops, Stringing & Services
Sporthaus Ski, Bike & Tennis Shop
A true local institution, Sporthaus (4104 Summitview Ave, Yakima, WA 98908) has been serving the Yakima Valley since 1952. They are the go-to specialty store for tennis stringing, racket advice, and gear. Run by avid skiers and tennis players, this is the best place in town for expert local knowledge and equipment maintenance.
Retail Options
For basic necessities like balls, grips, and entry-level rackets, big box retailers such as Target (12 N Fair Ave) and local sporting goods franchises carry standard tennis equipment.