2801 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208

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This is a great place to play tennis, tucked away on a hilly, bird-chirpy side street. Four courts, $4 an hour, so not free, but that’s the least expensive hourly rate I’ve come across. For that inexpensive rate, you get a court in fine shape, surrounded by pine trees and with fine views of the San Gabriel Mountains. These courts get busy at night and on weekends, so if you have the freedom to swing by on a weekday morning, that’s the best time.

One of my favorite things about these courts is the mid-century modern swivel bar stools at courtside on the two south courts. The north courts just have bland white plastic outdoor furniture chairs, which is still an improvement on many courts that have nowhere to sit at all. The mismatched furniture adds to the informal, club-for-the-people vibe.

I was really impressed when one of the guys hanging out chatting with the pro chased down a loose ball for us even though it bounced all the way down a flight of stairs and who knows how far into a parking lot. He just tossed it back to us, no big deal, but that’s the kind of little kindness and courtesy that really speaks well not only for him but also for the courts and as well as for the sport.

2801 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208

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