Tennis Newsletter | July 2014 | VBgov.com/Parks

July is Parks & Rec Month!

July is Parks and Rec Month

You are at the heart of what we do, which is why we want to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month with you this July! Get in on the fun with these special offers:

Two for Tuesdays

Are you a Virginia Beach Recreation Center member? Bring a friend for FREE every Tuesday in July. Let them know what we're all about!

Little Island Park

Hit the beach at Little Island Park on weekends in July. The first 50 cars to park will receive a FREE gift!

BOGO Rentals at Munden Point Park

Rent 1 hour, and get 1 hour FREE for canoe and kayak rentals.

For more ways to celebrate visit VBgov.com/July

Quick Links

Our Website

Programs & Activities Catalog

Weekly Clinics

Cardio Tennis (all levels) | $15

Tue & Fri | 9-10 am

Men's & Ladies Night Out (3.5 & up) | $21

Tue & Thur | 7:30-9 pm

As some of these clinics fill, please call (757) 385-2695 the day before to reserve your place.

Connect with Us!

Pro Tip: The Ground Stroke

By Owl Creek Staff

If you are having trouble with your ground stroke, consider your racquet level at contact as well as the pace of your follow through. If your grip is correct with your forehand or backhand shot and the ball goes into the net, it means your racquet and waist are level at contact. Physics says if you hit up, it will go down because of the topspin created. If your ball goes out, you didn't follow through fast enough.

Future Wimbledon Stars Get Their Start at Camp

These future title holders were gaining the basic skills and knowledge of tennis during summer camp last week. View more camp photos on Flickr.

Weekly camps are offered all summer long. We have both morning outdoor camps and afternoon indoor camps. Instruction of basic strokes, the structure of the court, and scoring are touched on during the week and are exercised through lots of fun drills and games.

Check out our Summer Camp Schedule and call Owl Creek at (757) 385-2695 to register!

3 Tips to Stay Cool On the Court

Rising temperatures can wreak havoc on your performance and enjoyment of the game if you're not prepared for the heat. Here are some quick tips to keep you moving:

1. Wear wristbands and/or bandanas and run them under cold water from your cooler or a nearby fountain when you are in need of a cool down.

2. Stay hydrated the day before you play, and avoid caffeinated beverages as they promote dehydration. Don't wait until you're on the court to hydrate.

3. Wear moisture-wicking clothing, including your socks. Consider that the surface of a tennis court can be 15 degrees hotter than the air temperature. That heat radiates up through your shoes, so you'll want to be sure you're keeping moisture away from your skin to avoid blisters.

Programs for the Competitive Junior Player

Tennis Academy Select starts back up this month! This program is designed for the serious player (age 13 - 18) who plans to play competitive tennis for their high school or in USTA tournaments. A live ball approach is used to help players develop their game and to learn strategy. Players should commit two to three days per week. Academy instructor Wayne Keeler has over 35 years of teaching experience and has worked with some of the best national coaches, including Nick Bollettieri, Dennis Van der Meer and Vic Braden. Call Owl Creek Tennis Center at (757) 385-2695 for the current class schedule and pricing.

Prefer a week-long camp to polish up your technique? We will also offer two Summer Specialty Camps for the competitive player.

Age 8 - 17

July 14 - 18 | M-F | 9 am - 12 pm | $140 | Register

August 11 - 15 | M-F | 9 am - 12 pm | $140 | Register

Court Maintenance at Neighborhood & School Sites

Several tennis courts are in need of a facelift, and we're making repairs to address ongoing maintenance. Courts at the following neighborhood parks will be intermittently closed to the public throughout the summer:

Lago Mar Neighborhood Park
Kings Grant Neighborhood Park
Little Neck Neighborhood Park

Tennis courts at the following schools are closed through October 1 for resurfacing:

Green Run High School
Tallwood High School

All maintenance work is weather permitting. Need to find a court for play? Search for tennis courts at neighborhood parks with Park Finder.

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child require additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.

Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center

Location: 928 S. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach | Phone: (757) 385-2695

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm | Saturday and Sunday: 9am - 5pm

We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@VBgov.com.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.