Overview
iTennis/iPickle Whittier Narrows is an outdoor public tennis facility in South El Monte, Los Angeles, located at 1201 Potrero Ave. The courts are open to the public. LA/OC public courts vary by city — many neighbourhood courts are free first-come, but staffed centers charge hourly fees and some cities require a resident reservation card. There are 20 courts with a hard surface. Courts are floodlit for evening play. iTennis/iPickle Whittier Narrows is one of 5 tennis venues in South El Monte — nearby options include Mo Tennis (84 m away) and South El Monte Community Center (1.1 km away).
What players say Mixed reviews
Players find iTennis/iPickle "The Narrows" a well-maintained, multi-court outdoor facility offering both tennis and an extensive number of pickleball courts. While tennis courts are valued for training and USTA events, many reviews highlight a heavy pickleball focus that limits tennis availability. Operational challenges, overcrowding on Social Fridays, parking issues, and aging tennis court conditions temper the overall experience.
The facility offers over 30 pickleball courts and about 20+ courts in total, with at least 10 courts dedicated to tennis (though some now permanently converted for pickleball). The courts are hard surface, well maintained and clean, good for training with smooth playing surfaces, but some tennis courts show cracks, damage, and aging issues with visible patching. The back courts have seen repairs but remain imperfect.
Outdoor courts have lighting for evening play, supporting late-night sessions until 2 am. The venue has a social, lively vibe particularly on Friday nights with music, fire pits, and a community feel. However, parking lots are undersized and unlit, raising safety concerns after dark, especially during busy pickleball events.
Players use the Playbypoint app for reservations and can book courts on site last minute, facilitated by a helpful owner named Mo. Drop-in play is common during Social Fridays, though overcrowding leads to long waits over an hour despite many courts. Pricing is around $15 per player for drop-in Fridays, but website info on fees and reservations is sparse.
The venue offers lessons and clinics for all ages, with positive mentions of group beginner classes and training opportunities led by Mo, the owner. The environment supports learning with a cozy pro shop on-site.
Junior and kids tennis programs are available, including beginner group classes and junior tournaments, though some kids' tournaments at pickleball events were criticized for poor organization initially.
iTennis/iPickle hosts a variety of USTA tournaments, pickleball competitions, and league matches. Players praise the tournaments for good organization (after initial improvements) and snack/giveaway packages, establishing it as a key local competitive venue.
The crowd is described as friendly and social with a strong pickleball community. Staff attitudes are mixed: some find them friendly and approachable, including the owner and tournament director, while others complain about poor customer service and arrogance from management amid overcrowding.
The courts are generally clean and well maintained, contributing to quality play. Restrooms are flushing and stocked, though overall maintenance shows signs of aging and could use more TLC.
The $15 fee for Social Fridays allows extended open play until closing, but overcrowding and parking hassles reduce perceived value. Tennis court reservations are available but details on pricing are unclear online. Many players feel the experience is worth trying but caution on overcrowded peak times.
Hours & Popular Times
- Thursday · Today 2–10 PM
- Friday 2–10 PM
- Saturday 8 AM–5 PM
- Sunday 8 AM–5 PM
- Monday 2–10 PM
- Tuesday 2–10 PM
- Wednesday 2–10 PM