Public Tennis Parks in Fort Smith, AR

When asked the question "tennis, anyone?" in Fort Smith, AR, there are two main public tennis courts in the city, both part of the city of Fort Smith's park system.

Tilles Park at N. 37th St. and Grand Ave. has four public tennis courts with public restrooms nearby. The courts are a hard surface, basically just concrete with painted lines and nets. There is an asphalt walking track and frisbee golf course in Tilles Park, also.

The courts are lighted, but after dark, I would recommend the courts at nearby Creekmore Park a mile or two away. There are more courts at Creekmore Park, eight in all with a much better hard surface than Tilles and better lighting.

Best of all, the courts at Creekmore Park are located in a better area, just across from the Fort Smith Public Library off bustling Rogers Ave., the main thoroughfare of Fort Smith. There is a new tennis center there where one can buy the latest in tennis equipment.

The Western Arkansas Tennis Association is headquartered there on the site. In summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Creekmore Park swimming pool is just a John McEnroe racket-throw away, so you can play a few sets, then cool off in the pool, which is very reasonably priced.

The Creekmore Park tennis courts have a backboard if you need to catch some solo practice before your match.

Of course, for the young males, there could be the added distraction of trying to return serve with attractive young ladies in bikinis in sight in the summer months.

There is a Sweet Bay Coffee Company just across the street where one could drink refreshments while taking in the view of Creekmore Park.

In the Plaza across the side street, there is even a place to sell blood plasma, if that's what it takes to purchase the tennis equipment.

The Creekmore Park tennis courts are by far the better of the two public tennis courts in Fort Smith and offer the added attraction of better security and a nicer setting. There are picnic tables, charcoal grills, a community center, a kiddie pool and a train for the kids at Creekmore Park, as well.

Inside Creekmore Park is a putt putt golf course, lots of trees and an overall nice atmosphere for a family outing. The park is well lit and open until 10 or 11 o'clock at night with public restrooms convenient to everything. Of course, like any public restrooms in a public park, you don't really want to use them unless absolutely necessary.

All in all, Creekmore Park is a nice place for individuals or families with a convenient location and good security. I would recommend the tennis courts highly as far as public tennis facilities and it's free to use the courts.