The San Francisco Tennis Coalition is seeking $15 million dollars to renovate the Golden Gate Park Tennis Complex. You can become a part of the Parks history and its future by supporting this vision with a tax-deductible donation.

Naming rights are available for the overall facility, clubhouse, tournament court and individual courts.  Please contact info@sftenniscoalition.org for more information.

Golden Gate Park Tennis Center Design Concept.

GOLDEN GATE PARK TENNIS CENTER HISTORY

The Beginning: In 1894, the first two tennis courts were laid in Golden Gate Park. These two original tennis courts were made of dirt and replaced in 1901 with six asphalt courts. This was the year the first automobile permit was issued in San Francisco, five years before the Great Quake and Fire of 1906 reshaped the City of San Francisco.

Player Development: In 1904, Sidney Marvin organized the Golden Gate Park Junior Tennis Club, then known as the Marvin Club. The Marvin Club's recreation and meeting room was located in a basement on Page Street near the Panhandle. Mr. Marvin, through efforts in giving and fostering incentive to youngsters at the "Park," produced possibly the greatest number of tennis champions ever known to originate from one area, not to mention a public facility.

From 1909 through 1924, thirty-seven of the spots in the top ten national rankings were occupied by those players who had started and learned their tennis at Golden Gate Park, including the number one ranking on three occasions by Maurice McLoughlin and three times by Bill Johnston. By 1915, there were 21 courts with the same configuration as is present today.

Clubhouse Expands: The first wooden tennis clubhouse was constructed onsite in 1917 with showers. However, it was not until 1923 that hot water was made available for the clubhouse showers. The current clubhouse was built in 1959 and named the "William M. Johnston Memorial Clubhouse" in honor San Francisco tennis great, William "Little Bill" Johnston. A right-hander, Johnston was born November 2, 1894, in San Francisco and developed his skills on the Golden Gate Park tennis courts. Johnston went on to become the Pacific Coast Champion ten times, twice the U.S. men's singles Davis Cup titlist playing with partner "Big Bill" Tilden during the 1920's, and was the 1923 Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion. Johnston ranked in the world top ten eight straight years from 1919 on and in the U.S. top ten 12 times between 1913 and 1926, and number one in 1915 and 1919. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1958.

Millions of Players - Famous and Not So Famous: Other tennis greats who refined their games at the storied Golden Gate Park tennis courts include Alice Marble, Helen Wills, Art Larson, "Peanut" Louie, Rosie Casals and Billie Jean King. Since its construction in 1901, it is estimated that more than a million people from all over the world have enjoyed playing the game of tennis at the Golden Gate Park tennis complex. More recently, The National Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association measured 'tennis' as the fastest growing sport in the United States from the year 2000 and every year up until the last measurement in 2008. Tennis will continue to have a bright future because of the health, family and social benefits it provides and so it is essential that this important facility be brought up to date. Public courts are essential to the development of a healthy city but can also provide a place where especially talented athletes discover and develop their gift.

Park History and Chronology of its Development:

The Next Chapter: This facility will display the innovation and pride of our city and provide a great place for everyone to play. Features include a sunken court with bleachers for tournament viewing, new and well-spaced courts with the highest quality surface available, kid-sized Quick Start courts where programs such as Youth Tennis Advantage, TennisForKids, and the United States Tennis Association can provide their youth programs, as well as a Pro and Gift Shop. There will also be a brand new clubhouse overlooking all of the courts, a food and beverage area with outdoor seating, as well as a place where San Francisco tennis history will be displayed. It's a place where outdoor enthusiasts can meet and enjoy one of the greatest parks in America!

Make a Donation to Renovate Golden Gate Park Tennis Center