Brian Watkins Tennis Center

The center has between 6 and 12 outdoor hard courts, with some sources mentioning 12 total and others 6 available courts. The courts have significant cracks and peeling cement, and the nets and wind screens are often in poor condition or missing. Despite resurfacing attempts a few years ago, maintenance remains inadequate.

Courts are outdoor, located by the river and under the Williamsburg Bridge, offering great views of Brooklyn, the bridges, and the East River. There are no lights for evening play, and courts close early at 7pm, even in summer, limiting playtime. Noise from the nearby FDR Drive and bridge can be a distraction.

Booking is drop-in style using a sign-in sheet managed by an attendant during early hours and then first-come, first-served once staff departs. The system suffers from frequent no-shows and unofficial court hogging without enforcement, leading to long waits and frustration. Reaching staff by phone is unreliable. A permit is required but enforcement and courtesy vary.

The tennis community is passionate but some players report rude behavior with individuals ignoring time limits and monopolizing courts. Attendants enforcing permit requirements can be perceived as unfriendly. Despite this, the atmosphere is largely positive, with tennis lovers appreciating the location and culture.

Overall maintenance is poor, with cracked courts, missing wind screens, and neglected repairs. Flooding and shoddy construction repairs have been reported. There is no mention of locker rooms, restrooms, or showers, implying minimal facilities.

The courts are free to use with a required permit, which many feel is an inadequate system given the lack of staff and enforcement. Players generally find the location and cost favorable but feel the poor condition and booking issues detract from value.