Tom Watson Park
Overall Rating: 4/5
Location: Boulder
Number of Courts: 4
Key Features: Lights, Lots of Parking
Ideal For: Extended Matches, Night Play, Tailgating
The Quick Hit
The tennis courts at Tom Watson Park are newly resurfaced and great for playing matches. They're fairly basic but located away from town, so courts are usually available. I use them for uninterrupted practice time or to play longer 3-set matches here in the afternoons since there's rarely a rush to finish. My favorite thing to do if I have extra time after is to do a cool jog on the trails around Coot Lake or the Boulder Reservoir. Their location between Boulder and Longmont makes them a convenient meeting spot. However, there's little shade, so bring sunglasses, water, and towels if playing in the heat. No water fountains, just portable toilets, so come prepared.
Detailed Review
This shaded court is usually covered in needles and leaves.
Court Quality and Maintenance: 4.3/5
Recently resurfaced, mostly good condition with a few uneven spots
New, well-tensioned nets
Courts closest to the parking lot tend to have a few natural obstacles like leaves and pine needles
Parking and porta-potties outside the tennis courts
Access and Availability: 4.75/5
Open 5am-11pm daily, first-come first-served
You can reserve these courts through the City of Boulder reservation portal
Usually 1-2 courts open even during peak times
Huge parking lot, never full
Each court has one bench to drop your things and use for the changeovers
Facilities and Amenities: 3/5
No restrooms/water fountains, just portable toilets
One bench at each court
Lights for night play (sight quality is playable)
Fence height is tall enough where it’s hard to hit balls out of play
There are gates to access each court so you don’t need to walk through others play
There’s no dividers separating courts potential for frequent stoppages of play
Nothing else nearby
Tom Watson Park is near Coot Lake and surrounded by trees. It has access to picnic tables and grills.
Environment and Vibe: 3.75/5
Active atmosphere that is often buzzing with cyclists, runners, and other sports teams practicing so you never feel alone
Courts are usually occupied by other players playing matches
Friendly players but not much sense of community. Players tend to park, play, and leave
I haven’t stuck around, but it would be a pretty ideal spot to play and have a picnic afterwards.
