Photo Credit: Vic Sagers
In Long Beach, Calif., tennis is called a “lifestyle for a lifetime.” Thousands of tots, teens, adults and senior citizens play each year on the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (LBPRM) Department’s 35 public-park courts in organized programs or for free drop-in play. LBPRM’s Billie Jean King and El Dorado Park Tennis Centers are managed by First Serve Tennis Inc., which is owned and operated by Cathy Jacobson-Guzy, a United States Professional Tennis Association-certified teaching pro with over 25 years of experience as a head pro and facility manager. These two centers provide an additional 23 courts, lessons, classes, programs, tournaments and full-service pro shops, including racquet stringing and equipment sales and rentals.
Something For Everyone
The key to the success of a tennis program is literally offering “something for everyone.” First Serve is contracted by LBPRM to offer more than 100 classes each quarter for tots (ages 4-5), “First-Stroke” students (5-6 year olds), youth and adult classes and academies, as well as “Mommy, Daddy and Me” groups to get 2- and 3-year-olds started in the sport. Within each age grouping, students are classified as a beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate or advanced, and choose private or group lessons. Tennis programs targeted to specific interests--such as Cardio Tennis and Serve-and-Volley Clinics--also are well-attended.
First Serve Tennis’ affordable fees and free court-use policies have kept participation up in a down economy. Hourly court rental rates start at $6, which means a group of four plays tennis for only $1.50 per hour. The company also offers free court use from 3-5 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays for students age 17 and under with student ID cards, and for senior citizens age 65 years and over.