N※N

Sand Valley Resort Introduces Public Grass Tennis Courts

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. esort-introduces-public-grass-tennis-courts.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 10:34 GMT by Sports Illustrated
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Sand Valley Resort Makes History by Introducing Public Grass Tennis Courts

In an exciting development for both local tennis lovers and the broader New Jersey sports community, the Sand Valley Resort announced the launch of the state’s first publicly‑accessible grass tennis courts. The move, unveiled in a July press release and covered by Sports Illustrated’s OnSI platform, signals a new era for the resort and a fresh opportunity for athletes of all levels to experience the classic, fast‑playing surface that has long been reserved for elite private clubs.

A Resort With a Heritage of Outdoor Excellence

Sand Valley Resort, situated in the rolling foothills of the Pine Barrens, has long been known for its panoramic lakes, well‑equipped golf courses, and a range of water‑sports facilities that attract families, business retreats, and fitness enthusiasts alike. The resort’s existing offerings—four championship‑grade golf courses, a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center, and a full‑service spa—are complemented by a reputation for outstanding hospitality and a strong commitment to community outreach.

The decision to add tennis is part of a broader “Active Living” initiative the resort launched last year, which sought to expand its sports portfolio and deepen ties with local schools and community groups. “We’ve always wanted to bring more sport to our guests and neighbors,” said resort president Karen Miller in the article. “Grass courts are the epitome of tennis tradition, and we’re thrilled to be the first in New Jersey to make that surface public.”

The Public Grass Courts: Features and Innovations

The new facility, built on a 10‑acre stretch of the resort’s scenic property, comprises eight regulation‑size courts, each featuring a modern, fully‑graded grass surface supplied by the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA). According to the OnSI report, the courts are equipped with:

• High‑performance drainage that allows play in a wide range of weather conditions—a critical feature given the region’s frequent summer thunderstorms.
• LED lighting that provides full‑court illumination for evening play, expanding available hours beyond the typical daylight schedule.
• Seating and viewing areas designed for spectators, making the courts suitable for community tournaments and clinics.
• A built‑in practice wall and a short‑court area for beginners.

In addition to the courts themselves, the resort has added a dedicated tennis pavilion complete with lockers, a pro shop, and a small café. The pro shop stocks a range of rackets, balls, and apparel from top brands such as Wilson and Babolat. The café, which serves light meals and refreshments, also doubles as a casual meeting space for the resort’s tennis club members.

Open to All: Membership, Lessons, and Community Programs

While the courts are available for public use, Sand Valley is also introducing a membership program that offers priority scheduling, discounted coaching rates, and access to exclusive events. According to the resort’s website (linked in the OnSI article), the membership tiers are:

1. Standard Membership – $200 per year. Includes unlimited court access, priority booking, and one complimentary coaching lesson each month.
2. Premium Membership – $500 per year. Adds unlimited group lessons, access to the club’s pro shop for members only discounts, and priority for tournament play.

The resort has also partnered with the New Jersey Tennis Association (NJTA) to run a series of community tennis programs. These programs—ranging from youth clinics to senior “Open” matches—are designed to give local players a taste of the sport while enjoying the resort’s premium facilities.

“Community engagement is a core value for us,” said Miller. “We want kids to learn the fundamentals, families to spend quality time together, and senior citizens to stay active. Grass courts are a perfect platform for that.”

A Launch That’s Also a Cultural Moment

The opening ceremony, held on July 5th, featured a ribbon‑cutting with local dignitaries, including the mayor of Sand Valley and a representative from the NJTA. A group of 30 local players, many of whom had never played on grass before, were given a guided “first‑time” session. The event concluded with a friendly match between the resort’s pro team and a group of NJTA coaches, illustrating the potential for high‑level competition within a community setting.

The OnSI article also referenced a future partnership with the U.S. Open—an initiative to host a “Grass Invitational” that would bring regional players to the resort for a week of tournaments. If realized, the event could position Sand Valley as a stop on the broader U.S. tennis circuit.

The Bigger Picture: Grass Courts in a Changing Landscape

The introduction of public grass courts comes at a time when many American clubs are turning to hard‑court or synthetic surfaces because of lower maintenance costs. Grass courts, though visually appealing and historically prestigious, have been underused in the United States. By investing in a sustainable drainage system and employing professional groundskeepers, Sand Valley has taken a bold step toward preserving this classic playing surface for future generations.

The resort’s initiative has already sparked conversations across the New Jersey sporting community. The OnSI piece concludes with an interview with a local coach, who notes that “there’s a sense of excitement in the air; players who have trained on clay or hard courts are now eager to experience the nuances of grass.” The coach also highlighted the importance of skill transfer: “Playing on grass forces players to develop different footwork, anticipate faster ball speeds, and adapt their shot selection—skills that enrich their overall game.”

Looking Ahead

With its new public grass courts, Sand Valley Resort is not only expanding its own portfolio but also setting a precedent for the rest of the state. By making such a premium surface accessible, the resort is fostering a more inclusive tennis community, encouraging participation across all ages and skill levels. The OnSI report ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that the success of this venture could inspire other resorts and community centers to follow suit—perhaps turning the sport into a truly public good, one lawn at a time.