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By BECKY J. BEALL / Pelham Community Column

With a great family atmosphere and high quality of life, Pelham offers many amenities to its residents. And, if tennis is your racquet, then this city is perfect for you!

Pelham Racquet Club

A membership-based, public tennis facility with 20 clay courts and five hard courts, Pelham Racquet Club is well-appointed with above tournament-grade lighting, stadium seating and beautiful landscaping. The facility hosts various tournaments including some that are USTA sanctioned. Additionally, there are lessons offered, league play and socials that keep things in full swing on a year-round basis. If you need anything tennis related, the pro shop is fully decked out and offers racquet stringing services.

You may or may not be aware that Pelham Racquet Club (located at 100 Racquet Club Parkway just across from Huntley Parkway Publix) is the largest public clay court facility in Alabama and a membership there definitely has its privileges. By joining the Racquet Club, members are also granted use of the hard courts at the Pelham Tennis Center which is located at Pelham City Park and league fees are waived, a super nice perk.

Speaking of leagues, the Pelham Racquet Club offers different league choices for the general public from USTA leagues for both men and women to soft court and ladies LITL. There are lessons available at both the Racquet Club and the Tennis Center, and range from kids to adults.

Membership fees are listed on the website and include single day fees for both residents and non-residents. Please call 205-621-3380 for court reservations (24 hours in advance) and membership information.

Pelham Tennis Center

Another option for tennis players in Pelham is the Tennis Center with nine hard courts with nice lighting, water coolers and player benches. Court #1 also has a functional fiberglass backboard for solo work and lessons. The Club House is roomy with a sitting area, a full kitchen and large restroom/changing rooms. Both the courts and Club House are wheelchair accessible, and there is a comfortable viewing area on the covered porch including ceiling fans which is a saving grace in the dog days of summer.

Pelham City School tennis teams (middle and high school) use this facility for practice and games, but there are plenty of times for residents (and non-residents) to use the courts with low, affordable court fees. Pricing is on the website.

You can be a beginner looking for a lifelong sport to stay active or a competitive player needing access to leagues and/or lessons. Either way, Pelham has you covered.

Photo: Pelham Racquet Center offers a world-class facility with multiple courts, lessons and a well-stocked pro shop. Photo by Becky J. Beall.