Montgomery Parks announces the first public, outdoor beach tennis court in Montgomery County located at Nike Missile Local Park in Gaithersburg. A new adjustable net system will allow the sand court to accommodate both beach tennis and volleyball. Beach tennis combines elements of traditional tennis, badminton, and beach volleyball.
“This adjustable net system is going to be a unique amenity that allows the sand court at Nike Missile to be shared by different sports groups. Most sand courts in the county park system only accommodate volleyball. The net at Nike Missile can be lowered for beach tennis and then raised for volleyball,” said Chuck Kines, park planner.
Nike Missile Local Park was selected as the first beach tennis court in the park system due to the availability of the volleyball court and ample parking. The sand court at Nike Missile Local Park will be first-come first-served. Players will not be able to reserve or permit the court.
A brief history of beach tennis: Beach tennis originated in Italy in the 1970s and has gradually gained popularity in North and South America. The game uses balls like tennis balls but are softer with lower compression, and solid paddles that are larger than pickleball but smaller than tennis racquets. The sport is usually played as doubles and is easy to learn. Courts are usually sand, but the sport can be played on any surface. The ball is volleyed in the air and cannot bounce on the sand or ground. Score keeping is identical to traditional tennis. Beach tennis is a social game, like pickleball, and is accessible to players of all ages, skill levels, and abilities.
The sport is most popular in Italy, Spain and Brazil and has an estimated 1 million players globally. According to the International Tennis Association, 35 nations hosted beach tennis tournaments in 2023 with players from more than 75 nations competing in the world tour. There are only a few public outdoor beach tennis courts in Maryland, mostly on the Eastern Shore.
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
