Freedom to Jeff Adams: The Top 5 Public Tennis Courts in Charlotte
Last updated: January 2026
Charlotte is one of the few cities where the public tennis facilities are arguably better than many private clubs. Thanks to a massive investment by Mecklenburg County, players have access to tournament-quality hard courts and even rare public clay courts. Whether you live in Dilworth or Uptown, here is where to find the best game in the Queen City.
1. Jeff Adams Tennis Center (The "Pro" Choice)
Located just off I-77, Jeff Adams is the heavyweight of Charlotte public tennis. It is a dedicated tennis facility, not just a park with courts. The standout feature? Clay Courts.
- The Setup: 16 lighted hard courts and—rare for a public facility—2 clay courts.
- Cost: Hard courts are usually free (unless reserved), but the clay courts require a small hourly fee to cover maintenance.
- Best For: Serious players who want a well-maintained surface and a pro shop on-site.
2. Freedom Park (The "Scenic" Choice)
Freedom Park is the "Central Park" of Charlotte. Located in the heart of Dilworth/Myers Park, these courts are iconic. You are playing right next to the lake with the beautiful willow trees in the background.
- The Warning: Parking is a nightmare on weekends. If you have a match at 10:00 AM on a Saturday, arrive at 9:30 AM to hunt for a spot.
- The Vibe: High energy. You’ll have joggers, families, and picnickers walking by your court constantly.
3. Park Road Park
Just down the road in South Charlotte, Park Road Park is a massive hub for league play. With 12 lighted courts, it hosts a huge chunk of the Queen City Tennis League matches. The facility is strictly business—great for grinding out a three-set match.
| Facility | Neighborhood | Courts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Adams | North CLT | 16 Hard / 2 Clay | Tournaments |
| Freedom Park | Dilworth | 12 Hard | Scenery / Central |
| Park Road | South CLT | 12 Hard | League Matches |
| Hornet’s Nest | North CLT | 12 Hard | Availability |
4. The "League" Factor
Here is the insider tip no one tells you: Weekday evenings (6 PM - 9 PM) are dangerous. The Queen City Tennis League is huge. They reserve large blocks of courts at Park Road and Jeff Adams. Always check the reservation schedule online or call ahead, otherwise, you might drive there only to find every court taken by a team match.
Charlotte summers are famous for the 4:00 PM thunderstorm. If the hard courts are soaked, check out our guide to Indoor Tennis in Charlotte to save your match.
Turn the Park into Your Training Ground
You don't need a country club membership to get elite coaching. Golden Racket Academy coaches are mobile and operate across Mecklenburg County. We can meet you at Freedom Park or Jeff Adams for a private lesson that fits your schedule.