Walk up the hill at Buffalo Avenue and Rochester Avenue in Crown Point, Brooklyn, and you’ll feel it. The wind hits a little differently up there. Lincoln Terrace Park—or Arthur S. Somers Park, if you’re being technical about the name on the official NYC Parks signage—sits on a high ridge that gives you a glimpse of the skyline if the leaves aren't too thick. But most people aren't here for the view. They’re here for the green hardcourts. The Lincoln Terrace Park tennis courts are a bit of a neighborhood institution, a gritty, high-energy hub where the play is fast and the community is tight-knit.
It's not the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Don't expect pristine, silent surroundings or ball boys in matching polos. This is Brooklyn. You’ll hear the 3 train rumbling nearby, kids shouting on the handball courts, and the occasional siren from Eastern Parkway. Honestly, that’s part of the charm. If you can focus on your serve while a Caribbean cookout is happening fifty yards away, you can play anywhere.
The Reality of Playing at Lincoln Terrace Park
Let's talk about the surface. There are 11 courts here. That’s a massive footprint for a neighborhood park. For comparison, many popular Manhattan spots might only have four or five. Having double digits means your chances of snagging a spot are significantly higher, though "high" is relative in a city of eight million people.
The courts themselves are hardcourt surfaces. They’ve seen some wear. You might find a hairline crack or a spot where the paint has thinned out from thousands of baseline rallies, but generally, the NYC Parks Department keeps this site in better shape than some of the smaller, tucked-away courts in the borough. The nets are usually sturdy. The fences are high enough to keep your errant overheads from ending up on the sidewalk.
You need a permit. This is the part that trips up newcomers every single year. Between the first Sunday in April and the Sunday before Thanksgiving, you can't just wander on with a racquet. You need that $100 (for adults) seasonal permit or a $15 single-play pass. Does someone check? Usually, yes. There’s typically a site coordinator or a "tennis pro" shack where someone keeps the list. If you show up at 10:00 AM on a Saturday without a reservation or a permit, you’re basically just going for a nice walk in the park.
The Community Vibe is Different Here
What makes the Lincoln Terrace Park tennis courts stand out isn't the asphalt; it's the people. This isn't a "country club" vibe. You’ll see seniors who have been playing on these specific courts since the 1980s. They have effortless, short-swing strokes that will absolutely destroy a college kid who tries to overpower them with top-spin.
Then you have the local clubs. Groups like the Lincoln Terrace Tennis Association have historically been the backbone of this place. They don't just play; they advocate for the park. They organize tournaments. They make sure the youth programs actually happen. It’s one of those rare places in New York where "tennis culture" feels accessible rather than exclusionary. You’ll see a guy in a vintage Agassi shirt playing against a teenager in basketball shorts.
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It’s loud. It’s social. It’s competitive.
If you’re looking for a quiet, meditative hitting session, maybe head to a more secluded spot. But if you want to feel the pulse of Brooklyn tennis, this is it. People will comment on your backhand from the sidelines. You might get recruited for a doubles match if someone's partner didn't show up. It’s a neighborhood ecosystem.
Navigating the Logistics Without Losing Your Mind
Getting there is straightforward but requires a little planning. The 3 and 4 trains stop at Crown Heights-Utica Av, which is just a few blocks away. If you're driving, well, it's Brooklyn. Parking near the park on Rochester or Buffalo Avenue is a game of luck and patience.
What to Bring (Besides a Racquet)
- Water: There are fountains, but in the heat of July, they’re often lukewarm or crowded. Bring a gallon.
- Sunscreen: There is almost zero shade on the actual courts. You are on a ridge, exposed to the sun and the wind.
- Extra Balls: The wind at Lincoln Terrace can be tricky. A gust can take a high lob and send it three courts over.
- A Solid Pair of Shoes: The hardcourts are unforgiving on your knees and your outsoles.
Reservations are handled through the NYC Parks online system now. Gone are the days of just putting your racquet in a line on the ground and hoping for the best. You want to book your hour as soon as the window opens, especially for "prime time" slots—weekdays after 5:00 PM or anytime on weekend mornings.
The "Hidden" Lower Courts
A lot of people forget that the park is somewhat split. The main cluster of courts is where the action is, but the topography of Lincoln Terrace is hilly. This means the courts are somewhat tiered. This creates a stadium-like feel in some sections, where you can stand on the walkway and look down at the matches. It’s great for scouting your next opponent or just picking up tips by watching the better players.
Why the Wind Matters More Than You Think
Because the park is elevated, it acts as a wind tunnel. If you're a "flat" hitter who likes to skim the net, you're going to have a rough day at the Lincoln Terrace Park tennis courts when the breeze picks up. Local regulars have learned to use more margin. They hit higher over the net. They use the wind to make their slices move sideways like a whiffle ball.
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If you’re playing on the courts closest to the edges of the park, be prepared for crosswinds. It’s a tactical challenge that makes you a better player. It forces you to move your feet. You can't be lazy when the ball is dancing in the air.
Addressing the "Wait Time" Myth
You'll hear people say you can never get a court at Lincoln Terrace. That's not entirely true. It’s just about timing.
Tuesday at 1:00 PM? You can probably walk on.
Saturday at 9:00 AM? Good luck.
The site is popular because it has 11 courts, making it a hub for local leagues. If a league is running a tournament, half the courts might be blocked off. Always check the NYC Parks "Court Conditions" or local community Facebook groups before making the trek if you don't have a reservation.
The Cultural Impact of the Courts
Lincoln Terrace isn't just a place to burn calories. It’s a landmark in the history of Black tennis in New York. For decades, these courts provided a space for players who might not have been welcomed at the more "prestigious" private clubs. That legacy persists today in the diversity of the players and the programs aimed at getting kids from the surrounding apartment buildings into the sport.
When you play here, you're stepping into a lineage. You see the grit of the city reflected in the way people play. There's a certain pride in being a "Lincoln Terrace player." It means you're tough, you're adaptable, and you don't mind a little noise.
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Practical Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re planning to hit the Lincoln Terrace Park tennis courts this weekend, don't just wing it. First, verify your permit status. If you don't have a physical or digital permit, the attendant will likely ask you to leave. It’s a bummer, but they have to keep the system fair for the people who paid.
Second, check the weather, specifically the wind speed. Anything over 15 mph makes these specific courts a different beast entirely.
Third, get there 15 minutes early. The park is big, and navigating the paths to find the tennis area can take a second if you're coming from the subway. Plus, it gives you a chance to soak in the atmosphere. Grab a spot on a bench, watch a few rallies, and get your head in the game.
Finally, be respectful of the regulars. There is an unspoken etiquette here. If your ball rolls onto another court, wait for a break in their play to ask for it back. Don't go running across someone's baseline while they’re mid-serve. Basic stuff, sure, but it goes a long way in earning the respect of the local crowd.
Once you finish your set, take a walk to the southern end of the park. There are plenty of local spots nearby to grab a Caribbean meat patty or a cold drink. It’s the quintessential Brooklyn tennis experience. It’s loud, it’s a bit rough around the edges, and it’s absolutely one of the best places to play in the five boroughs.
Next Steps for Players:
- Secure your NYC Parks Tennis Permit via the official portal at least a week before you plan to play, as processing times can vary.
- Create an account on the NYC Parks Tennis Reservation system to view real-time court availability for the 11 courts at Lincoln Terrace.
- Contact the Lincoln Terrace Tennis Association if you are looking for structured league play or community tournaments; they are the best resource for finding hitting partners at your specific skill level.