In any given week, more than 400 people play tennis at Coral Gables' two tennis centers, the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center and the Salvadore Park Tennis Center.

That the city likes its tennis has been confirmed by Coral Gables’ recent selection as Member Organization of the Year by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Florida Executive Committee.

“It was a massive accomplishment,” said Robert Gomez, professional tennis operations supervisor for Coral Gables. “I am so proud of all our tennis professionals and staff.”

Mr. Gomez went to work for the city in 2006 after being a tennis coach in Colorado for five years. He oversees every aspect of the tennis centers’ operations, including programming and maintenance.

For him, tennis represents career, family and friends.

“I like the intense feeling of having to figure everything out yourself during a match,” said Mr. Gomez, who began playing at age 15. “It’s a very independent sport.”

Coral Gables was honored by the USTA because its tennis centers have structured and comprehensive programs, Mr. Gomez explained, with a variety of programs for children, adults and seniors in every skill level, from beginner to professional.

On Saturdays, more than 80 children attend classes at the centers, which for decades have hosted youth tennis tournaments, including the Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship, whose 50th annual tournament concluded Dec. 23.

Said Fred Couceyro, the city’s director of parks and recreation: “Our programs, our staff and our facilities are what make us the Member Organization of the Year. We have two different court facilities, and we have programs for all levels of players. We are not only concerned with the best players; we care more about developing the next generation of tennis lovers.”

That interest also yields top young players, said Mr. Gomez, noting as an example Alex Del Coral, one of his students who has won two national championships and is No. 1 in Florida in his division.

Mr. Couceyro said both the Biltmore and Salvadore tennis centers will continue to develop new programs. “We’ll use feedback from local players and residents as our guide for new opportunities,” he said.

Added Mr. Gomez: "Tennis is a lifetime sport. Our city is giving residents a sport for life."

William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center
1150 Anastasia Ave.
305-460-5360 

Ten lighted courts 

Hours: 
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Salvadore Park Tennis Center
1120 Andalusia Ave.
305-460-5333
Thirteen lighted clay courts. 

Hours: 
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fees
Hourly: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
$3.95 Miami-Dade resident; $6.85 non-resident
Hourly: 5 p.m. - close
$6.85 Miami-Dade resident; $9.45 non-resident

Annual membership packages are also available. For more information visit www.coralgables.com

Zachary Tian is a junior majoring in public relations at the University of Miami.