NYC update

East River Park tennis courts are back and gorgeous

After four years of construction hell, six brand-new courts with killer Manhattan skyline views are finally open

Stunning River Views

6 new courts with Manhattan skyline backdrop

The wait is finally over

After four years of construction delays and Lower East Side players scrambling for alternatives, East River Park's tennis courts reopened on May 31st with a complete transformation.

What took so long?

The old courts were demolished in 2021 as part of the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project. What was supposed to be a quick rebuild turned into a four-year ordeal that left thousands of Lower East Side players without their home courts.

But the wait was worth it. These aren't just replacements—they're completely reimagined courts with better drainage, modern surfaces, and unobstructed river views that'll make you forget all about the construction delays.

Tennis court construction and renovation

Court details

Two amazing options for NYC tennis

East River Park: The main event

East River Promenade, north of Delancey Street bridge

6 new hard courts with blue and green surfaces

Downtown Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge

Wheelchair accessible design

New benches and drinking fountains

Better drainage system

Fencing that doesn't block river views

Brand new courts built from scratch

Manhattan Beach Park: The Brooklyn option

Oriental Boulevard and Mackenzie Street, Brooklyn

Newly resurfaced courts (same number as before)

Ocean and boardwalk views

New lighting for evening play

Modern hard-court specifications

Upgraded nets and equipment

Steps from the beach

$3.8 million renovation completed in April

Booking info

Getting court time

Both locations use the standard NYC Parks permit system—no special booking required like Central Park or Prospect Park Tennis Centers.

Season & Hours

Season: First Saturday in April through Sunday before Thanksgiving

Hours: Dawn to dusk daily

Walk-up play during posted hours

Online reservations up to 7 days ahead

Pricing

Full season permit: $100 (ages 18-61)

Seniors/teens: Discounted rates available

Single play: $15 per session

Year-round access vs $200+ monthly at private clubs

How to Book

Book through NYC Parks website or app

No special permits needed

Check court-finder tool before heading out

Special events can sometimes limit access

Pro tips

Why now is the time to play

With 25 million people using city courts in 2024, these new and renovated courts ease the bottleneck during peak summer hours.

Beat the crowds

The East River courts are already drawing pickup games and community clinics. Manhattan Beach is booking up on weekends thanks to the beach crowd discovering the upgraded facilities.

But right now, there's still availability during prime hours. Summer is when NYC tennis gets competitive—book early and often.

Check the NYC Parks court-finder tool before heading out

Book weekend slots early in the week

Try weekday mornings for the best availability

Both locations offer stunning views worth the trip alone

Ready to play on NYC's newest courts?

The courts are open, the views are unbeatable, and for once, the city delivered exactly what it promised. Grab your racket and get on court this summer.