Recreational Sports Youth & Adult

Organized and unorganized sports are a critical starting point in a young person’s lifelong journey toward an active and healthy lifestyle. Youth who engage in sports not only grow up more physically active, but also gain mental and social health benefits that follow them into adulthood.

Recreational Youth & Adult Sports are meant to be for fun, leisure, non-competitive and less serious than organized sports, leagues or school sanctioned teams. Often, participating in recreational sports is the first introduction to a specific type of athletic activity where the Park District Recreation program supervisors are there to lead the program at the entry or beginner skill set levels.

We strive to provide quality instruction in the fundamentals of the sport programs we provide, while emphasizing fun and sportsmanship over winning.

Tennis Programs

The Velasco Tennis Center serves as the headquarters for district- wide tennis operations. It includes an indoor pro-shop. The Velasco Tennis Center also contains six courts with lights, six courts without lights and four platform tennis courts as well. Each year, the center opens during the first week of March.

All Park District courts are open to the public year-round, weather permitting.

TENNIS COURT PLAY – ADMISSION FEE & RESERVATIONS

Reservations are suggested, either online or call ahead. Drop-ins allowed but cannot guarantee court availability. All tennis court play is subject to pre-payment before entering Tennis Court arena. Stop into the pro shop for more details and reserve your time!

For More information call 217-546-4103

1501 S. Grand Ave West, Springfield, IL 62704

Season Programs

TENNIS (Competitive)

Welcome to Competitive Tennis! The classes will focus on match play and strategies. These players are expected to play tournaments and team tennis at their respected age division. Players must be evaluated by a senior pro to be in the class.

Age: 12U & 18U

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is the national governing body for the sport of tennis and the recognized leader in promoting and developing the sport’s growth on every level in the U.S.

The USTA Mid-South Illinois District is one of 13 district offices within the USTA/Midwest Section. Our mission is to "Promote, Develop, and Service the Game of Tennis" throughout Middle and Southern Illinois. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

The Springfield Park District is a proud partner and affiliate of USTA Midwest | Mid-South Illinois.

Adult Tennis

Tennis is one of the most popular individual sports in the world. We have created classes which offer the resources to develop the skills and confidence for our beginner and intermediate players!!

The key to our success is to establish an enjoyable experience within a structured social format that integrates traditional drills with match play and games. We have our established Manny’s Drills for the evening players and our new Adult Tennis Drills for those who enjoy their mornings.

Fall | Winter Platform Tennis Leagues

Platform Tennis, also known as paddle tennis, is played on a 20-foot-by-44-foot court, about one-third the size of a conventional tennis court, and is surrounded by 12-foot high "chicken wire" screens. These are located eight feet behind the base lines and five feet from the sidelines.

Students who are looking for a more competitive training program or just simply want one-on-one platform tennis instruction may want to consider private platform tennis lessons. Private platform tennis lessons are available until the first snowfall based on your availability.
Call the pro shop to schedule a private lesson, learn more about Platform Tennis leagues at 217-546-4103

JR. TENNIS

Our recreational, Junior Tennis, classes are for your children. They will learn the fundamentals of the game of tennis; how to hold the racket, proper stance, hand eye coordination and footwork. Appropriate sized tennis balls and equipment will be used depending upon each skill level. Classes are designed for children who are new to the game of tennis and up to intermediate players. Players must bring their own racket.

Age Groups: 3-5, 6-10 and 11-17

Private Tennis Lessons

For students who are looking for one-on-one tennis instruction. Private Tennis Lessons are available throughout the season based on your availability. Lesson times can be broken up in 30 minute+ segments. Please call the tennis pro shop to schedule a private lesson.

Leagues

It’s easy to play more tennis when you join a Springfield Park District League!

Leagues are available to adult and junior players. Call the Velasco Tennis Center to find out more about the seasons our leagues are played and what leagues they offer! Phone: 217-546-4103.