San Diego has some of the most well-known and highly-regarded public and private tennis facilities in the United States. From the Balboa Tennis Club to La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club to the San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club and others, there are many great summer tennis-playing experiences in “America’s Finest City.” Included in that list — and perhaps at the top of the public facilities — is the George E. Barnes Junior Tennis Center in Point Loma, which is owned and operated by Youth Tennis San Diego (YTSD) Foundation. “Last year, we served over 10,000 children with our tennis programs, both at the Barnes Tennis Center and throughout San Diego,” said Linn Walker, executive director of YSTD. “Right now is our busiest time of the year.” As evidence, there is a wide range of summer tennis-related activities for local residents over the next month — either as a participant or spectator. “We are in the middle of our nine weeks of summer camps for kids,” she said. “There are still openings available (camps are a week in duration).” And from Aug. 2-5, tennis legend Billie Jean King brings her annual WTT Junior Nationals event to the Barnes Tennis Center with 16 co-ed teams from all over the U.S. During that same week, many of the best professional female tennis players in the world will be competing in the Mercury Insurance Open at the La Costa Resort & Spa. “That Monday (Aug. 2), the Barnes Tennis Center will be running ‘Kids Day’ at the tournament,” Walker said. “Participants will watch an exhibition, take part in a clinic and receive complimentary tickets to the matches. It is a great experience.” Almost immediately after King’s event concludes at the center, the National Girls’ 16s and 18s Championships will be held from Aug. 6 to 15. This is the first time in the history of girls’ junior tennis these two age groups have played at the same venue. “These are the best 192 young female tennis players in the United States,” Walker said. “The winner of the 18s receives an automatic entry into the main draw of the U.S. Open in New York.” Though much lies ahead at Barnes this summer, the busy schedule does not end once school begins. The Barnes Tennis Center has an on-site learning center and offers a combination tennis and formal education program. “YTSD also offers tennis programs at 120 schools throughout San Diego County,” Walker said. Completed in 1997, the $4.5 million Barnes facility is open to adults and juniors, with comprehensive programs for both. There are no membership fees. Facilities include 20 hard courts, four clay courts and one beach-tennis court. Small usage fees may apply to time of day play and surface used. For more information, call(619)221-9000, or visit www.barnestenniscenter.com.
