Did you know you can play tennis or pickleball in the middle of a bustling city?
There’s tennis and pickleball games, clinics, lessons, mixers, and the camaraderie of these fast-paced court sports right in the heart of Delray Beach.
And it’s not just any courts. The14 Har-Tru, 4 hard, and eight Pickleball courts at the Delray Beach Tennis Center have a more country club vibe than rustic city courts you might find off the beaten path.
As a matter of fact, the DBTC courts are so coveted and meticulous they recently received the Outstanding Facility Award from the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
This award recognizes excellence in the construction and renovation of tennis facilities, accommodations for players, spectators, and press with seating for spectators, food service and social areas.
These attributes are what makes the Delray Beach Tennis Center and its sister club the Delray Swim & Tennis Club so beloved for those who live near or far. They both have a country club atmosphere available to anyone – members or non-members. As a matter of fact, when you join one club you automatically become a member of the other one.
Both tennis clubs have a clubhouse, pro shop, and locker rooms with showers (the DBTS also has a pavilion for corporate lunches or meetings). The Delray Swim & Tennis Club has 24 Har-Tru courts, clubhouse, pro shop and locker rooms.
These action-packed sports now have everyone in a tennis and pickleball frenzy. “Tennis is having a boom right now because during covid people found out that 78 feet really matters. You can be opposite someone and still have a wonderful time and enjoy special camaraderie,” said Brent Wellman, Director of Junior Development.
He’s right. The DBTC has weekly Round Robins, Tennis Mixers, Clinics, Lessons for all levels and everything in between. Sunday mornings are tennis mixers, Sunday and Friday night are drills, hitting and match play for all level players.
There is also Cardio-Tennis, Beginner Clinics, Stroke of the week (the good kind), and Wanna Work Out Clinics (fast-paced ball hitting and cross-court action with music). Friday night and Saturday morning are mixers, and they have Ladies and Men’s teams, Elite Drills and Match Play clinics.
The times vary, but the skill and enjoyment of the game is paramount. If you are new to tennis or pickleball you can take private or group lessons. If you are not a member of a country club and feel left out of court sports, rejoice. Both DBTC and the DSTC welcome you (and your family) with open arms.
A lot of this renewed enthusiasm (and court updating) is due to the foresight and hard work of Jeff Bingo, General Manager of Racquet Sports for JCD Sports Group. Bingo is a tennis legend who has been tending to both Tennis Centers’ grand style and court level of playing, mixers, and summer strategy camps. Bingo was a tennis champ and has managed upscale country clubs and racket clubs for many years.
His imprint can be seen from any angle. There are now tennis clinics and mixers, strategy camps, tennis leagues, Friday Night Mixers, programs and more.
Their booming Junior Program is for all age young people. They have skills and drills for ages 5 to 9 and team games. “We are big on how you hit the ball and skill development. The Junior program is open, and we love new players from ages 5 to 18,” said Wellman. They also have Green Dot Lessons and Summer Tennis Camps.
Members and non-members can rent a ball machine to hone their strokes and cardio endurance. But members do get extra perks. You can sign up for courts three days in advance, you get a discount on Round Robins, Mixers, Private lessons, Ball machine rental and you get a membership at the DBST. Members also get complimentary use of Pickleball courts.
You don’t have to be a Delray resident to join either club. Prices start under $400 for residents and go up slightly for families and non-residents.
This award-winning tennis center also has an 8,200-seat stadium with tournaments like the prestigious ATP Champions Tour and Del-ray Beach Open.
“I like building things. When I came to DBTC I wanted to bring new life into this facility. It has grown exponentially, and the quality of players and instructors we have is incredible. This is a public facility with a private club feel to it.”
Bingo is right. The serenity, despite the action of the courts, is what people crave after a hard day’s work (or a challenging career).
You can also host a corporate event. Guests can play tennis and gather at the pavilion for lunch or a meeting. There’s a conference room, pro-shop with locker rooms and merchandise.
THE DELRAY BEACH TENNIS CENTER
201 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach
561-243-7360
www.delraytennis.com
