Hilltop Tennis Club to Host “Play-with-a-Pro” Event on May 31

FANWOOD, N.J., May 12, 2025 – Hilltop Tennis Club, featuring a soft surface clay court in the heart of Fanwood, will host an Open House event including lessons with a tennis pro for a limited number of players, ages 18 and up, on Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is required.

Email Patricia Lake at TEAMC2L@verizon.net by May 23 to register. A $10 cash fee will be collected at the event.

The event will begin with warm-up stretching and drills, followed by a group lesson with a tennis pro and open tennis play. Players should bring a racket and water bottle, and wear comfortable sneakers and sports clothing.

“This event is for fans of tennis who want to change up their game on a clay court or who are looking to get more playing time with a group of like-minded tennis enthusiasts,” said Steve McNally, president of Hilltop Tennis Club.

Tennis Equipment Drive

Hilltop is collecting new or gently used tennis equipment through Saturday, May 31. Donations will benefit youth tennis programs that encourage new players from under-resourced areas of New Jersey.

The club is accepting the following tennis gear: rackets, racket covers, racket bags and new, unopened cans of tennis balls. All donations can be placed in the collection bin in front of the tennis court at 336 North Avenue in Fanwood.

About Hilltop Tennis Club

Hilltop Tennis Club features a shaded soft court of Har-Tru clay surface on a wooded lot with a picnic table under a canopy. Club activities include men’s and women’s singles and doubles, clinics, meet-ups and parties. Members use an online app to reserve court time.

According to USTA Tennis Pro Pat Hanssen, “Clay leaves players more physically and emotionally satisfied than other surfaces. The physical satisfaction comes from playing long points and long matches without over-stressing the knees, back and lower extremities. The emotional satisfaction comes from thinking, creating and tactical responding that goes into each point and each match. It is a surface that slows shots down, equalizes levels of play and allows varying ages and ability levels to have fun playing together.”

The club welcomes new members of all playing levels, both adults and juniors (under 18). Email Steve McNally, club president, at stevemcnally@yahoo.com for more information about the club and membership. Follow Hilltop Tennis Club on Facebook and Instagram.