Central Park Tennis

Yes, playing tennis in Central Park is beautiful - what's not to like about being in New York City, in one of the most georgous parks in the world, playing tennis surrounded by skyscrapers? Well, a lot. The staff at Central Park Tennis center has come up with so many rules and regulations that it takes some of the fun out of playing here.
To play in Central Park, you must have a NYC tennis permit ($100), or you may purchase a single play ticket ($7).
Court reservations are taken from 10am-2pm weekdays by calling 212-280-0205; you must have a permit or a reservation ticket ($7) to reserve courts in advance. Beware, the phone line is always busy.
Players must check in at the tennis center no less than 15 minutes in advance of their court time otherwise the court will be given away. They aren't kidding; this has happened to me.
If you can abide by the Gestapo-like staff at the tennis center, it is a great place to play. There are 26 har-tru courts here and 4 hard courts, as well as lessons, a pro shop, locker facilities and a snack bar.
Closest subway: B/C to 96th Street.


http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/tennis-center.html

Lower East Side Courts Under the Bridge

A few years ago I played tennis at the public courts on the East River. At the time, it was relatively easy to get on them (no one asked me for a permit), but the court conditions were very run down. I heard that these courts were redone so I went back recently to take a look. I found the 12 hardcourts were indeed redone and seemed to be in good shape. To play here, you do need a NYC tennis permit. Sign up takes place at the courts and I'm told the wait is usually an hour on weekends. During the week when I stopped by, most courts were empty so if you can play on weekdays that seems like your best bet. One downside: these courts are a little difficult to get to. The closest subway is the F to 2nd Avenue or Delancey Street, and then walk across the Delancey Street footbridge; the park is across the FDR Drive.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=East+Side+River+Park%2CNew+York%2CNY%2CLower+East+Side