In Newport, Permits Now Required for Private Lessons on Public Tennis Courts

Photo: the Pop Flak tennis court, where private lessons are prohibited under a new city policy.

Plan on taking a tennis lesson on a city-owned tennis court in Newport after June 6?

Be sure your instructor has a permit.

The city of Newport recently created a new policy requiring permits for the use of public courts for private instruction.

Permits will be given for courts 4, 5 and 6 at Rogers High School only.

Private instruction is now prohibited on the Pop Flack, Murphy Park, Vernon Park or Hunter Park tennis courts.

Instructors must show proof of insurance before issuing a permit.

The fee is $10 for one hour for Newporters, $15 for out-of-towners.

You can book a permit up to two weeks in advance and “certain restrictions apply,” the city said in a release.

City officials declined commenting on the reason for the new policy when asked Wednesday morning. A staff member said that the recreation department was not prepared to make a statement at this time.

Do you have insight on this topic? Send an email to editor mark.schieldrop@patch.com

To get a permit, stop by the city’s recreation office at 35 Golden Hill St. For more information, call 401-845-5800.