Ranked by court count, lighting, and player reviews · Updated July 2026
Richmond offers a diverse array of public tennis courts that cater to players seeking well-maintained facilities, primarily outdoor hard courts, with ample options for evening play thanks to widespread lighting. Top-rated venues like South Arm Park Tennis Courts and Thompson Community Park stand out for their large court counts—8 and 4 courts respectively—and free, first-come, first-served access with reasonable 30-minute limits during peak hours. This ensures a fair turnover and good availability even during busy times.
Facilities such as the Tennis Courts at Thompson Community Park are praised for their smooth, high-quality surfaces and a comfortable environment that accommodates both casual and social players. Additionally, Richmond’s multi-location setups, including the well-equipped indoor courts at Steveston Community Centre, provide structured programs such as junior lessons, competitive teams, and ladder leagues, though these typically have fees unlike the mostly free outdoor courts. Players appreciate the balance of free outdoor play in parks like South Arm and Minoru alongside paid indoor options offering stronger amenities. While many courts are free and open to drop-in use, busy periods at popular spots like Steveston and Public Tennis Courts & Pickleball Courts highlight the need to plan visits carefully.
We rank public courts by facility quality, not just star rating — since most courts have few or no reviews. Each location is scored on: number of courts (up to 12 points), evening lighting (+4), surface material (+1 for documented surface), and a Bayesian rating signal (half-weight). Venues with a rating below 3 stars are excluded.
South Arm Park Tennis Courts tops the list with 8 smooth-surfaced outdoor courts featuring lighting for night play and a clubhouse. It's freely accessible first-come, first-served with a 30-minute limit when busy, making it an excellent choice for players prioritizing court availability and quality.
The South Arm Community Centre Pickleball Court offers 8 lit courts, free and open to the public with similar drop-in 30-minute limits, ideal for pickleball enthusiasts looking for well-lit, accessible courts, though reviews focus primarily on pickleball rather than tennis.
Thompson Community Park’s 4 well-maintained outdoor hard courts feature bright lights enabling evening play, a welcoming clubhouse, and active social events. Players praise the court surface and low crowding, making it a favored spot for free first-come play in a pleasant park setting.
Minoru Park presents 5 outdoor hard courts with lighting and clubhouse amenities, all free and first-come, first-served. While player feedback is sparse, its sizable court count and quality surface make it a strong, reliable choice for drop-in tennis.
This collection of indoor and outdoor courts, including 4 indoor courts at Steveston Community Centre, features quality lighting and well-maintained surfaces but requires paid booking indoors. Outdoors, 3 courts are free but can get busy, with a friendly atmosphere and active junior programs and social events enhancing its appeal.
South Arm Community Park offers 8 outdoor smooth courts free to the public with lighting and clubhouse facilities. Its 30-minute drop-in policy helps manage crowds, though player reviews and details on court condition remain limited.
Thompson/Burnett Community Park features 4 outdoor hard courts with lighting, free to access on a first-come basis with a 30-minute limit. The venue also hosts a clubhouse, though player experience details are not available.
Hugh Boyd Community Park has 3 lit courts free to use with a 30-minute limit, though reviews focus mainly on pickleball and lack tennis-specific insights. Tennis players should verify suitability but can expect basic amenities including a clubhouse.
King George Tennis Courts offers 3 outdoor hard courts free for drop-in play with limited lighting info but includes a clubhouse. Its moderate size and free access make it a straightforward choice without recent player feedback.
Terra Nova Neighbourhood School Park provides 2 outdoor courts with lighting and free first-come availability. Though small in number, the courts include a clubhouse and are suitable for casual play with 30-minute time limits when busy.
Yes — city-owned public tennis courts in Richmond are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Some courts can be reserved online via the City of Richmond parks booking system during peak season, but walk-up play is always available when courts are open.
South Arm Park Tennis Courts, South Arm Community Centre Pickleball Court, Tennis Courts at Thompson Community Park, and Minoru Park all have lighting for evening play. These are the best spots for after-work drop-in games.
The parks with the most courts among this list are: South Arm Park Tennis Courts (8 courts), South Arm Community Centre Pickleball Court (8 courts), South Arm Community Park (8 courts). More courts means shorter wait times during busy periods.
Most public courts in Richmond are walk-up only. The City of Richmond offers an optional online reservation system for select courts during peak season (May–September). Courts without a reserved player are always open for drop-in play.
Most outdoor public courts in Richmond close from November through April due to weather. A small number of city-operated indoor courts remain open year-round — check the City of Richmond parks website for indoor availability and any associated booking fees.
Any public park court is a great starting point — no booking, no fee, just show up. Courts on quieter side streets or in residential parks tend to have shorter waits than high-traffic locations. If you're looking for coaching, several courts listed here are near clubs that offer beginner group lessons.
Yes — public courts in Richmond do not provide equipment. Bring your own racquet and a few balls. If you need gear, most sporting goods stores in Richmond carry beginner racquets for $30–$80. Some nearby tennis clubs also offer equipment rental.
This list covers the top 10 public tennis courts in Richmond. For a full directory including all city-owned and privately operated venues, see the complete Richmond tennis court directory.