ABOUT TENNIS AT THE PARK
Central Park is the crown jewel of Schenectady's numerous parks and the highest elevation point in the city. The Common Council voted in 1913 to purchase the land for the present site of the park. The park features an acclaimed rose garden, Iroquois Lake, and 17 tennis courts. In addition to these courts, the city maintains 8 tennis courts as well as 6 junior courts, located off I-890, the Michigan Avenue Exit.
TENNIS COURTS AVAILABILITY: Tennis Courts at Central Park open the end of March or beginning of April, depending on the weather. Season ends at the end of October when the nets are taken down. Courts are available to the public on a first come basis. Also note courts are reserved and marked for tournaments. If all courts are reserved at Central Park, players can use the courts at Michigan Avenue.
Central Park Identification (ID): In the past the City of Schenectady required players to obtain an Identification Card for a fee. However, the City has not enforced the policy since the renovations of the courts started. If the City reinstates the policy, STA will notify members and post the information here.
Court Maintenance: Please help us keep the courts clean and tidy. After your match, remove any litter around your court - even if it's not yours. Also, PLEASE close the gates when you leave - you do not need to lock them. This deters skateboarders from using the courts.
DROP-IN (SOCIAL) TENNIS
Drop-in play starts when the nets are up, usually by April 1 and ends when the nets are down, usually by November 1.
Please note: Drop-in/Social tennis is for all levels of play, intended to be held in a friendly atmosphere. Just show up and play -- arrive when you can.
Weekday Morning Drop-in: Morning drop-in is held Monday through Friday starting at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For questions or more information, call Patty Bradt at 518-377-1479.
Weekday Evening and Weekend Drop-in: The weekday evening and weekend drop-in uses WhatsApp to establish start times. Members post a start time message to seek players who can play. Contact Heather Meaney at 518-542-5914 or email her at meaneyhl@gmail.com to be added to the WhatsApp. You will need to add the App to your smartphone.
For A & B Level Players Only: WEEKLY WEDNESDAY TENNIS LEAGUE
This weekly competitive play is progressive. See below for starting times, expect to play at least 1 1/2 hours. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to starting time so that play begins on time. This is a weekly commitment but substitutes are available.
Note: For Niskayuna Women Tennis members who wish to join the League, your STA membership is automatically paid by NTW.
Spring Session: Wednesdays, 2025 TBD (8 weeks, starts at 8:30 a.m.)
Summer Session: Wednesdays, 2025 TBD (8 weeks, starts 8:30 a.m.)
You can join as a weekly player or substitute for both sessions or one of the sessions. Spring and Summer sessions are closed to new players on start dates; however, you can sign up as a substitute. Register for the league on the Membership/Renewal form or call Dawn Knutson at 518-365-7352 or email her at dsknutson@gmail.com
STA INTERCLUB TEAM
STA is looking forward to building a tennis team to play local clubs. If you are interested, contact Anita Russo at 518-275-9226 or email her at anita.p.russo@gmail.com
Central Park is the crown jewel of Schenectady's numerous parks and the highest elevation point in the city. The Common Council voted in 1913 to purchase the land for the present site of the park. The park features an acclaimed rose garden, Iroquois Lake, and 17 tennis courts. In addition to these courts, the city maintains 8 tennis courts as well as 6 junior courts, located off I-890, the Michigan Avenue Exit.
TENNIS COURTS AVAILABILITY: Tennis Courts at Central Park open the end of March or beginning of April, depending on the weather. Season ends at the end of October when the nets are taken down. Courts are available to the public on a first come basis. Also note courts are reserved and marked for tournaments. If all courts are reserved at Central Park, players can use the courts at Michigan Avenue.
Central Park Identification (ID): In the past the City of Schenectady required players to obtain an Identification Card for a fee. However, the City has not enforced the policy since the renovations of the courts started. If the City reinstates the policy, STA will notify members and post the information here.
Court Maintenance: Please help us keep the courts clean and tidy. After your match, remove any litter around your court - even if it's not yours. Also, PLEASE close the gates when you leave - you do not need to lock them. This deters skateboarders from using the courts.
DROP-IN (SOCIAL) TENNIS
Drop-in play starts when the nets are up, usually by April 1 and ends when the nets are down, usually by November 1.
Please note: Drop-in/Social tennis is for all levels of play, intended to be held in a friendly atmosphere. Just show up and play -- arrive when you can.
Weekday Morning Drop-in: Morning drop-in is held Monday through Friday starting at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For questions or more information, call Patty Bradt at 518-377-1479.
Weekday Evening and Weekend Drop-in: The weekday evening and weekend drop-in uses WhatsApp to establish start times. Members post a start time message to seek players who can play. Contact Heather Meaney at 518-542-5914 or email her at meaneyhl@gmail.com to be added to the WhatsApp. You will need to add the App to your smartphone.
For A & B Level Players Only: WEEKLY WEDNESDAY TENNIS LEAGUE
This weekly competitive play is progressive. See below for starting times, expect to play at least 1 1/2 hours. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to starting time so that play begins on time. This is a weekly commitment but substitutes are available.
Note: For Niskayuna Women Tennis members who wish to join the League, your STA membership is automatically paid by NTW.
Spring Session: Wednesdays, 2025 TBD (8 weeks, starts at 8:30 a.m.)
Summer Session: Wednesdays, 2025 TBD (8 weeks, starts 8:30 a.m.)
You can join as a weekly player or substitute for both sessions or one of the sessions. Spring and Summer sessions are closed to new players on start dates; however, you can sign up as a substitute. Register for the league on the Membership/Renewal form or call Dawn Knutson at 518-365-7352 or email her at dsknutson@gmail.com
STA INTERCLUB TEAM
STA is looking forward to building a tennis team to play local clubs. If you are interested, contact Anita Russo at 518-275-9226 or email her at anita.p.russo@gmail.com
Jim Neal's Morning and Evening Clinics at Central Park: Free Clinics to STA Members
Morning Clinics: 2025 TBD
About Jim Neal: Jim has spent over 40 years as a volunteer at Schenectady's Central Park, where he helps maintain the public tennis courts. In 2011 he received the No-Cut High School Coach Starfish award. This national award recognizes high school coaches who implement "No-Cut" policy for their tennis teams. A No-Cut policy ensures that every student who wants to play is welcomed as a member of the team.