platform tennis
Platform or “Paddle” tennis is a rapidly growing American racquet sport enjoyed by thousands of people of all ages. It can be played year round and is a great workout and competitive game.
overview
Platform or “Paddle” is a rapidly growing American racquet sport enjoyed by thousands of people of all ages. It is the only racquet sport that players can enjoy outdoors in cold weather. This unique appeal attracts people who desire fresh air, competition, and social engagement all winter long. Players frequently refer to platform tennis as “paddle,” as in “Are you playing paddle tonight?”
Learn the Game
Platform tennis is played as a doubles game and has an easy learning curve. Because it is easy to learn, it is enjoyed by players of all ages. The Glenview Park District offers a full program of instruction year round. To learn what is being offered for the current season, click on Lessons/Drills in the menu at left. Or, contact Tony Marino at 224 521 2025 or via email.
Equipment
Platform tennis is played with special paddles that differ in size and shape from tennis racquets and are made of a composite material with aerodynamic holes drilled in the head. Paddles are approximately 18” long. The special balls used for platform tennis are made of spongy, rubber material and are approximately 2.5″ in diameter. A flocking material on its exterior keeps the ball from skidding. Platform tennis equipment is not usually available in general sporting goods outlets but may be purchased online or at platform tennis pro shops.
The Courts
Now a six court complex, the Prairie Club is one of the latest additions to the Chicago area’s growing paddle community. Glenview’s platform tennis courts are an aluminum deck built on grade. Each court is about one quarter the size of a tennis court and is surrounded by a 12 foot high superstructure with taut, 16-gauge “chicken wire” fencing which allows for play off the walls, as in racquetball and squash.
The base of the platform tennis courts is enclosed, housing a heating system beneath the deck. The heating system melts ice off the aggregate deck surface, allowing paddle players to play outdoors in all weather conditions. The courts will have a lighting system for winter so the game can be enjoyed year-round.
Dress for Success
Paddle players enjoying this fast moving sport during the cold weather months dress in layers so that as the game speeds up, they can remove outer layers to remain comfortable for play.
Adult Memberships and Daily Rates
Memberships Available NOW! To renew your membership or join, call Tony Marino at 224 521 2025.
Glenview Prairie Club offers a variety of flexible opportunities to get you out on the court and playing paddle. There are several membership options to choose from and as a public facility, we offer opportunities for nonmembers to use our facility by paying the daily court rate. If you are a league player, we have great opportunities to get you into both women’s and men’s travel league play through the CNSWPL ( Chicago North Suburban Women’s Paddle League) and the CPTC ( Chicago Platform Tennis Charities)
Full Adult Membership (ages 18+)
- Free platform tennis play year round included
- Unlimited court time at no extra cost
- Discounts on programs/lessons/in-house leagues
- Permanent court time for men’s and women’s travel league team practices
- Privilege of making court reservations 6 days in advance (limit one court reservation per day, maximum of two hours)
- No guest fees (up to 3 guests per court)
- Discount on facility rentals
- Includes participation in the CPTC travel league
Full Adult Memberships
For ages 18+, full year beginning August 1-July 31, 2025
(2024-25 rates coming soon)
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
Resident |
** |
Nonresident |
** |
Resident
| Fees | ** |
Nonresident
| Fees | ** |
*This includes CPTC membership & ball costs for league play. Those who do not wish to participate in league play, please inquire on pricing changes.
Junior Memberships and Daily Rates
Memberships for ages 17 and under, for seven months beginning Sept 1-March 31, 2024.
Junior Memberships (age 17 and under)
- Unlimited access to court time, M-F | 3-6 pm, at no additional cost, when court is not programmed with leagues, lessons or events
- Privilege of walking onto courts all day on weekends, if available, at no additional cost
Junior Memberships
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
Resident |
$135 |
Nonresident |
$155 |
Resident
| Fees | $135 |
Nonresident
| Fees | $155 |
Court Rates and Hours of Operation
Glenview Prairie Club platform tennis courts are also available for play to non-members who pay the season-based hourly rate. The following hourly rates apply for non-members. Members may make court reservations 6 days in advance. Nonmembers may make court reservations 24 hours in advance.
Used paddles and balls will be available upon request at no charge.
Hours of Operation:
Prime Season: September 1-March 31, 8 am-11 pm. (final court reservation sold at 10 pm, court lights automatically shut off at 11 pm.)
Non-Prime Season: April 1-August 31, as dictated by program structure and court reservations.
Court Rates
| Type | When | Resident Fees | Nonresident Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
Prime Season |
September 1-March 31 | $30/hour | $40/hour |
Non-Prime Season |
April 1-August 31 | $30/hour | $40/hour |
Walk on Rates (Discounted Rate upon Availability) |
M-F | 2-6 pm | $25/hour | $25/hour |
Prime Season
| When | September 1-March 31 |
| Resident Fees | $30/hour |
| Nonresident Fees | $40/hour |
Non-Prime Season
| When | April 1-August 31 |
| Resident Fees | $30/hour |
| Nonresident Fees | $40/hour |
Walk on Rates (Discounted Rate upon Availability)
| When | M-F | 2-6 pm |
| Resident Fees | $25/hour |
| Nonresident Fees | $25/hour |
Platform Tennis Leagues
For more information on league play, call Tony Marino at 224 521 2025
platform lessons and drills
Are you new to Paddle? Platform tennis pro Tony Marino will introduce you to the basic strokes and rules you need to play in just a few short weeks. Afterwards enjoy post-lesson socializing in the Prairie Club’s Clubhouse. Discover why everyone loves this game! Platform tennis paddles provided.
The Glenview Prairie Club follows the American Platform Tennis Association Levels, which correspond to the Chicago Platform Tennis Club’s (CPTC) inter-league series player levels. Below is a general description of player levels currently offered at the Glenview Prairie Club.
address
2800 W. Lake Ave.
Glenview, IL 60026
phone
847 657 1637
follow the glenview prairie club
