Costa Mesa Tennis Center reopens for limited use — what to know before you go

Local tennis lovers have a reason to rejoice after city officials announced Tuesday the Costa Mesa Tennis Center will officially reopen its courts for limited use by the public after an eight-week hiatus.

The popular complex closed for business on March 17 as a health and safety precaution during the coronavirus pandemic.

Maureen Lloyd, who manages the center alongside longtime Orange County tennis professional Hank Lloyd, said the facility will open Wednesday for singles play and private lessons only.

Several new guidelines will be put in place to protect players and instructors. Except when playing, face masks must be worn at all times, and players are encouraged to bring their own tennis balls and avoid using their hands to retrieve them.

Visitors are also to refrain from touching gates, fences, nets and other court amenities, according to guidelines provided by the city.

Players must call ahead to reserve courts and pay with a credit card upon reservation. Doubles play, clinics and tournaments are still prohibited, and the center’s pro shop will remain closed.

“We are extremely excited and have been working with the city on all the guidelines,” Lloyd said of the limited reopening. “It’s very little (use), but very little is better than zero.”

City Council members in late April began easing restrictions for some recreational areas, reopening golf courses at the Costa Mesa Country Club for walking play only. The driving range, putting green and clubhouse remain closed.

A May 5 council decision allowed several parks to reopen for walking, jogging and bicycling but not for sitting or gathering. The Tennis Center, along with the city’s skate and dog parks and portions of Fairview Park, were exempted from the early round of reopenings.

“We are working diligently to ensure that the phased reopening of public spaces is compliant with the governor’s orders and maintains the health and safety of our community,” acting Director of Parks and Community Services Yvette Aguilar said in a statement Tuesday.

Lloyd said Tuesday she and her husband applied for assistance through the federal CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program, so a small contingent of part-time employees could receive some relief.

“For my husband and me, it’s been zero income,” she said of the long and unprecedented closure.

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.