Updated October 2026. Tennis City NYC › New York City Tennis Guides
For public clay in New York, start with Central Park, which NYC Parks lists with 26 Fast Dry courts, or Riverside Park at W 96th St, with 10 clay courts. For indoor clay, Sutton East has eight red clay courts. Outdoor sites need a permit in season.
Where the clay is
| Site | Listed surface | Courts | How to get on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Park, Manhattan | Fast Dry | 26, plus 4 hard | Permit, sign-up or reservation |
| Riverside Park at W 96th St, Manhattan | Clay | 10 | Permit, walk-on or reservation |
| Sutton East, Manhattan | Red clay | 8 | Pay the club, or permit in the listed period |
| Prospect Park, Brooklyn | Clay or Har-Tru with hard, depending on the page | 11 in total | Book online, or permit in season |
| Kissena Park, Queens | Listed as “Hartro” | 8, plus 4 hard | Permit |
Surface names come from the NYC Parks list and the operators. The names vary by source, so ask the site if a specific surface matters to you.
Riverside at W 96th St
The reservation page lists the Riverside Clay Tennis Association here, with 2 reservation and 10 walk-on courts, and dates of May 1 to November 15. We couldn’t read the association’s own site, so check rcta.info for its current rules and any day pass.
Central Park
Central Park doesn’t allow running shoes on clay. It also keeps a weather line at (212) 280-0205 or (212) 280-0206, extension 4 then 1, and rain checks are valid for one year. Its sign-up system is worth reading before you go.
Before you play on clay
- Shoes: NYC Parks requires smooth-soled tennis shoes, and Central Park bars running shoes on clay. Check with the site if you’re unsure about yours.
- Rain: call first and ask about the site’s rain policy.
- Winter: Sutton East has indoor clay. See winter and indoor tennis.
FAQ
Do clay courts cost more?
On NYC Parks courts, the permit and reservation fees are the same as on hard courts. See how to reserve a court. Clubs set their own prices.
How do I find someone who wants to play on clay?
See how to find a tennis partner, and mention the surface when you ask.
Related guides
- New York City Tennis Guides
- Sutton East Tennis at Queensboro Oval
- Prospect Park Tennis Center in Brooklyn
- How to Reserve a Tennis Court in NYC
Looking for someone to play with? Join the Tennis City NYC Slack group and post a day, time and court at your NTRP level. It is free now; new members pay $5 a year after the 200th member.