10 Best Tennis Courts in Essex County, NJ

What better way to welcome the spring season than a game of tennis in the sun? While indoor courts provide a great way to play in spite of the elements, outdoor courts carry the benefit of being more affordable and plentiful in most communities. Here’s our list of the top 10 BEST outdoor tennis courts in Essex County!

1. Grover Cleveland Park Tennis Courts — Caldwell / Essex Fells

These courts, located at Grover Cleveland Park, were renovated and reopened in 2023, giving them modern playing surfaces and improved facilities. The park itself spans more than 40 acres with walking paths, ponds, and wooded areas that create a quiet atmosphere around the courts. These courts are also highly rated due to their reliable evening lighting and general lack of crowding.

2. Brookdale Park Tennis Center — Montclair / Bloomfield

Brookdale Park’s tennis center is one of the largest public tennis facilities in the county, with 11 hard courts and additional pickleball courts. They are consistently managed by the academy, and the number of courts makes it a popular option for reliable play. The park itself covers over 120 acres and includes athletic fields, walking trails, and open lawns.

3. Brookdale Park — Bloomfield

Brookdale Park, as well as the main tennis center, also has additional recreational tennis areas used by casual players. These courts are popular for pickup matches, weekend play, and junior practice. The evening lighting and amount of courts, as well as the scenic park surroundings give these courts a high rating. 

4. Nishuane Park — Montclair

Nishuane Park’s outdoor tennis courts, surrounded by athletic fields and playgrounds, are generally well maintained and serve both casual recreational players and local leagues. The park is slightly smaller than the major county parks, and tends to have a neighborhood feel with regular local players. Its location near downtown Montclair also makes it convenient for quick matches after work or school.

5. Memorial Park Tennis Courts — Bloomfield

Memorial Park’s tennis courts are known for their clean surfaces and accessible hours, and feature evening lighting and open spaces around them. The courts are part of a larger recreation complex that includes walking paths, sports fields, and community facilities. Because of the park’s central location in Bloomfield, the courts buzz with a mix of beginners and experienced players. 

6. Cedar Grove Tennis Courts — Cedar Grove

These quieter courts have strong ratings and are locally appreciated for their relatively peaceful setting compared to bigger urban parks. The courts are typically open daily and maintained by the township, keeping surfaces in good, playable condition. Local players also appreciate easy parking surrounding the courts, combined with the general lack of crowding making them a reliable option.

7. Taylor Park — Millburn

Taylor Park’s outdoor tennis courts are frequently used by residents and local recreational leagues. Its landscaped environment and small lake nearby create a relaxed setting for matches. Because the park is popular with families and walkers, it has a lively but friendly atmosphere, good for more social players.

8. Verona Park Tennis Courts — Verona

Verona Park tennis courts, located in the broader park complex, have reliable evening lighting and smooth surfaces. While there are limited court numbers, flexible hours lead to general reliability for play. Overlooking a beautiful 13-acre lake, players also have a scenic view!

9. Glenfield Park Tennis Courts — Montclair

Glenfield Park provides several outdoor courts in a smaller county park setting. The courts are placed near athletic fields and walking paths, giving it a traditional neighborhood-park feel. Proximity to other local courts such as Nishuane make them less crowded than other courts, and it’s a convenient spot for quick practice sessions or rec play with friends.

10. Althea Gibson Tennis Courts — Newark

Branch Brook Park, the largest park in Newark, contains outdoor courts used by both recreational players and local programs. The park is famous for its cherry blossom trees, and the tennis area benefits from the park’s extensive open space and accessibility. During spring, matches here often happen alongside views of thousands of blooming cherry trees!