McGhee Tennis Center in Atlanta: Courts, Programs, and What to Expect

The McGhee Tennis Center is one of Atlanta’s most active public tennis hubs, especially for players living in or visiting the southwest side of the city. If you’re looking for affordable courts, lessons, or a place to plug into the local tennis scene, this city-run facility is worth knowing well.

Where McGhee Tennis Center Is and How to Get There

Address:
McGhee Tennis Center
820 Beecher Court SW
Atlanta, GA 30311

The center sits in a residential area in Southwest Atlanta, not far from Cascade Road and the West End/Westview neighborhoods.

Getting there

• By car:

  • Easy access from I-20 via the Lee Street / West End or Lowery Boulevard exits.
  • Street directions often route you through Westview or Cascade corridors.

• By MARTA:

  • Many players use the West End or Oakland City stations and then take a short ride-share or bus, depending on current routes.
  • Bus routes in this area can change, so it’s best to check the latest MARTA info before you go.

• Parking:

  • McGhee typically offers on-site or adjacent parking, which is a plus compared to some in-town parks where parking is tight.

Facilities: What You’ll Find at McGhee Tennis Center

McGhee Tennis Center is a City of Atlanta facility, so it’s designed to be accessible and community-focused.

Court setup

While exact numbers can shift with renovations, players commonly find:

• Multiple outdoor hard courts
• Lights for evening play (a major advantage in hot Atlanta summers)
• Fenced courts with gates and windscreens on many courts

Other on-site amenities

You may also find:

• A small clubhouse or pro-shop style office where staff manage reservations, sign-ups, and info
• Benches and seating areas for players and spectators
• Restrooms (typical for city-run tennis centers)
• Nearby green space and sidewalks, making it easy for families to hang out while someone plays

Because public tennis facilities can be updated or repaired over time, it’s smart to call ahead to confirm which courts and amenities are available when you plan to visit.

Hours, Reservations, and Court Fees

As a city facility, McGhee Tennis Center usually operates with set daily hours and low, standardized fees.

Typical patterns you can expect

• Hours of operation:

  • Open most days, often from morning until evening
  • Evening play commonly available thanks to lights
  • Hours can vary by season and holidays

• Court reservations:

  • Many Atlanta residents report that city tennis centers allow advance reservations for a small fee.
  • Some walk-up play may be allowed when courts are open.
  • Leagues, lessons, and city programs can block off certain times.

• Fees:

  • Generally budget-friendly, with different rates for:
    • Adult vs. youth
    • Prime time vs. non-prime hours
    • Lessons or clinics vs. simple court rental

📞 Smart step:
Before you go, call the center or contact Atlanta Parks and Recreation to confirm:

• Current hours
• Reservation policy
• Court and lighting fees
• Any scheduled leagues or events that might limit open play

Programs and Activities at McGhee Tennis Center

One of the main benefits of using a City of Atlanta tennis center is the range of programming for different ages and skill levels. McGhee often participates in this citywide approach.

Adult tennis in Atlanta at McGhee

Players commonly look for:

• Adult group lessons or clinics

  • Focused on fundamentals, improving strokes, footwork, and match play
  • Helpful if you’re returning to tennis or new to the game

• Leagues and team play

  • Many Atlanta players are familiar with:
    • ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) teams
    • USTA league teams
  • McGhee courts are often used as home courts or match sites for these leagues, especially for local Southwest Atlanta teams.

• Drop-in or open play opportunities

  • Times where players can show up and find partners or rotational doubles
  • These may be informal and can change, so ask staff or local players about current patterns.

Youth and junior programs

For families in Atlanta, McGhee can serve as a convenient, local entry point into tennis:

• Youth clinics and intro programs

  • Often geared to kids in elementary and middle school
  • Emphasize basic strokes, movement, and having fun

• Junior development and competitive track

  • For older kids who show interest or talent, some centers coordinate with:
    • USTA junior leagues and tournaments
    • School tennis programs (middle and high school)

• Camps during school breaks

  • Many city tennis centers run spring break and summer camps, which may include tennis plus other recreational activities.

If you live nearby, calling McGhee to ask about current youth sessions, ages, and schedules is usually the fastest way to get accurate details.

Coaching and Lessons

McGhee Tennis Center typically provides access to certified coaches and teaching pros through the city’s recreation framework or partnered instructors.

Types of instruction you might find

• Private lessons

  • One-on-one instruction tailored to your goals (beginner, high school team prep, adult league tune-ups)

• Semi-private lessons

  • Two to four players splitting time and cost

• Group clinics

  • Adult or junior groups, often divided by level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

Questions to ask when you call

When you contact McGhee or the Parks and Recreation department, consider asking:

• Which coaches are currently active at McGhee?
• Do they offer beginner sessions for adults who have never played before?
• What are the rates and time slots for lessons or clinics?
• Are racquets or balls provided for new players?

This helps you decide whether you want structured coaching at McGhee or just simple court rental for your own practice.

How McGhee Compares to Other Atlanta Tennis Centers

Atlanta has several public tennis centers, and many locals use more than one depending on where they’re working or living.

Here’s a simple comparison-style overview to help place McGhee in the city’s tennis landscape:

If you live in Cascade, West End, Oakland City, Fort McPherson, or nearby neighborhoods, McGhee is often the closest and most convenient choice for regular play and practice.

Who McGhee Tennis Center Is Best For

McGhee tends to work especially well for:

• Southwest Atlanta residents who want nearby courts
• Beginner and recreational players looking for affordable instruction and court time
• League players participating in ALTA or USTA, especially if their teams use McGhee as home courts
• Families seeking local youth tennis options without driving across the city
• Visitors staying on the west/southwest side who want a public place to hit without joining a private club

If you’re staying downtown, the drive to McGhee is usually reasonable, especially outside of rush hour.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

To make your first visit smooth:

• Call In Advance

  • Confirm hours, court availability, and fees before you head over.
  • Ask about any events or leagues scheduled that day.

• Bring the basics

  • Tennis racquet
  • Non-marking tennis shoes
  • Water (Atlanta heat and humidity can be intense much of the year)
  • A small towel or hat for sun protection

• Check lighting policies

  • Ask whether lighted courts require an extra fee and how to request lights to be turned on.

• Arrive early

  • If you don’t have a reservation, arriving a bit early increases the chances of getting a court, especially on weeknights and weekends.

• Ask staff about regular groups

  • Staff members often know about regular hitting groups, ladder matches, or clinics you can join.

Who Operates McGhee Tennis Center and Where to Get Official Info

McGhee Tennis Center is part of the City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation. For the most accurate, current information, you can:

• Contact McGhee Tennis Center directly by phone (ask for hours, rentals, and programs).
• Reach out to Atlanta Parks and Recreation for citywide tennis program details, registration options, and other centers if McGhee is full.

When you speak to staff, have this information ready:

• Whether you’re interested in open play, lessons, or youth programs
• The days and times you’re typically available
• Your approximate skill level or your child’s experience (beginner, intermediate, competitive)

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and want an accessible, community-oriented place to play, McGhee Tennis Center in Southwest Atlanta offers a practical entry point into the city’s vibrant tennis scene, with courts, programs, and pricing structured for everyday players.