Community Tennis Courts

The community tennis courts remain popular with locals today.

NPS/KLEIN

Quick Facts

Location:

Oak Ridge, TN

MANAGED BY:

Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks

Amenities

1 listed

Swimming Pool

When you think of a tennis court you probably think of playing tennis. In Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project, the community tennis courts often served another purpose. 

With a population of approximately 75,000 people in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project, recreation became an important way to escape the rigors of secret nuclear weapons development. Along with the community swimming pool, the community tennis courts helped to provide much-needed recreation for workers and residents. Being one of the few paved outdoor spaces in the Secret City, the tennis courts also became an ideal location for dances on pleasant evenings. The first tennis court dance was held on July 22, 1944 and soon became a weekly event with dozens of couples in attendance. 

Continue Your Journey

The community tennis courts remain open to this day. Throwback dances are sometimes held here. For information on park-related events at the tennis courts, please visit the park's website. The tennis courts are located within walking distance of several Manhattan Project-related sites, including Jackson Square, the Guest House (Alexander Inn), and the Chapel on the Hill.