I feel like branching out a bit from my usual food posts so I'm deeming this as my "Not So…read moreDeadmonton" series. Welcome to Part 1. Because Edmonton doesn't suck that much, right? RIGHT? People are always complaining about Deadmonton, which is completely justifiable, but hey, sometimes you have to make the best of situations (insert standardized, generic, cheesy line here). Well, this is one of my favourite places to hang out in the summer. You like to play sports? Specifically tennis? You want to play tennis on CLAY? This is the only place in town that has them. 7 clay courts - completely different playing surface than hard courts. There's a sign-up board. Hang your membership card up on the court you're playing on. Bonus that the people that play here are good peeps - if you want to make friends, I suggest going to: - Friday Night Socials (6:00pm - 9:00pm) - Signing up for a tournament: Davis Cup is a loooooooot of fun. One day tourny! - Joining summer league (men's, women's and co-ed teams): Interclub is great. The season is short (end of May - August) and you play once a week. Check out Tennis Edmonton Interclub for more dets. Membership is required here. Here's the 2016 rates. Note: Prices are cheaper if you get the early bird memberships. - Full-time adult: $275.00 - Daytime/weekday adult: $150.00 - Punch pass: $50.00 for 5 visits. This is actually a pretty decent deal if you have commitment issues. Also, if you're a cheap bastard, you can wait till July 15 for their mid-season discounted rates. - Full-time adult: $180.00 - Daytime/weekday adult: $100.00 Are you a noob? Or want to improve your skills? Here's more options. So many options. - Ball machine: There's a ball machine! It's awesome. I've used it once. - Box league: you play x amount of games each month against people your skill level. Sign up required. Not gonna lie, I joined and bailed hard. - Hit list: Sign up onto the hit list with your tennis rating (1.0 - Open level). Contact people to play. Easy peasy. - Monday night clinic (6:00pm - 8:00pm): free drop-in clinic for members. Can't say I've ever been but I'm sure it's great. - Lessons: private ($40.00/hour), semi-private ($50.00/hour) or group lessons (6 sessions - $135.00 for non-members/$120.00 for members). Whatever tickles your fancy. Can't say I've ever done these either but I should... There's also 3 beach courts to play on. Beach is SO much fun. I'm just sad I only played a handful of times this summer. :( Same deal as tennis but here's a few options: - Summer league: Runs May to August and you play once a week. I've never played in the league but really, really want to (it's insanely popular). It's beach 2's so you better be good. Monday (Women's 2's), Tuesday (Men's 2's) and Thursday (Coed reverse 2's) nights. $250.00 fee to play. - Sunday drop-in (6:00pm - 9:00pm): $5.00 gets you in. Good times. - Friday drop-in drills (5:00pm - 7:00pm): $10.00 to participate. Can't say I've ever done it but this will work on your beach skills. So that was informative right? Nothing like hitting a tennis ball/volleyball to make you wish you were as good as the pros.

From the owner: We are Edmonton's finest summer club featuring 7 Nova-Pro clay courts and 3 beach volleyball…read morecourts. For more information, contact our office at (780) 431-2085 or email garneau@garneau-tennis.com!

This is the group that runs the tennis program at the courts at Borden Park and they are mostly…read morecollege kids with a passion for teaching tennis. Easily the best sports lessons or coaching my son has ever had for the money. For 2012, they have a beginners community tennis series for kid that is $10 for 8 weeks, which includes a loaner racquet Gotta love these guys (I know bad pun).

From the owner: Our goal is to introduce tennis to the community through structured social tennis events and…read morelessons offered by our certified tennis professionals. We are passionate about the game and looking forward to see the community picking up tennis as a lifetime sport.

Have booked Terry's courts continually over the last 2 years, and have always had a great…read moreexperience. The staff has always been accommodating, responsive and polite. Have booked on a weekly basis, morning time slot, different times within the afternoon and evenings, hosted one and attended a birthday pickle ball dates, and have always had a great time. Clean facility that is a great option when weather is a factor, or early later in the day. Have recommended Terry's often. Good value

I've booked this location multiple times. Always a great experience! I love the convenient online…read morereservation page. The staff are always friendly and helpful!

Beautiful location overlooking the Edmonton river valley. This community hall is on the smallish…read moreside but is well used. There is a renovated children's playground, adult outdoor workout facility, walking trails, outdoor ice rink and tennis courts.