Public Tennis Courts: Portland, Oregon

I remember the first time my family took a trip to Oregon. I was about 12 years old and we were on a summer long road trip from California to see this state up north where the air was fresh and so sharp it hurt to breath it in, the jagged, snow-capped mountains and the unrelenting pacific ocean constrained by rough cliffs, just an hour away. The possibilities of fun outdoors seemed endless: hiking, biking, playing tennis, climbing mountains, et cetera and et cetera. We all fell in love and wanted to move to Portland right away, but it was several years before the dream was realized. Needless to say, more than 20 years have passed since the move, and I can't think of any other place I'd rather be. Since tennis is one of my favorite outdoor activities and not just because of the super cute outfits, I'm going to list the top three places --in my opinion-- of playing the sport in Portland. Oh yeah, and if you're here don't forget our breweries, cafes, and book stores. All that outdoor activity needs some physical and mental nourishment.

1. WASHINGTON PARK: In the center of the city, yet it feels like miles away. Stately old homes surround it. Trails everywhere, hiking, the Rose Garden, the Zoo, the World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, the Japanese Gardens, views, views, and more views of downtown Portland and Mt. Hood. The tennis courts are plenty, well maintained, lighted and also frequented not just by the beautiful and toned Portland single population, but also by fashionable (pacific northwest style) parents with their little munchkins who most likely can't wait to get down to the extensive playground rather than play tennis. But perfection starts at a young age. Don't let that laid back style fool you, Portlanders love to excel at just about anything.

2. LAURELHURST PARK: If you want a pretty park, this is it! It even won an award in 1919 --hey, that's almost 100 years ago!-- for being the most beautiful park on the west coast. In 2001, it became the first park to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just minutes east of downtown Portland, the park offers plenty to keep everyone happy for hours. Why not bring grandma along and send her with the kids to feed the ducks in the pond, while you and partner perfect those shot making skills? When they're done with the ducks, they can visit the playground and have a picnic lunch as well.

3. MOUNT TABOR: This park is huge! The first time I went to play tennis here was on a warm summer evening in the 1990's. A group of us (college friends) went and there was this guy I really liked, and that was the reason for me being there. I married him, of course. And to this day I remember the evening with perfect clarity. Enough said. Not all memories are made for sharing.

All of these places are lighted, have wheelchair accessibility to the courts and the restrooms, are kid and pet friendly, and encourage you to spend the day either spread out on a blanket beneath a fragrant tree, or rummaging through your picnic hamper as you set the picnic table.