Interest in tennis rises with the temperature

CEDAR RAPIDS - 'I always say tennis is the exercise that doesn't feel like exercise,” said Kathleen Anderl, membership director for the Westfield Tennis Club in Cedar Rapids. 'It's like an extremely fun gym class.”

Because tennis can be played indoors as well as on outdoor courts, it's become an all-year activity.

'You're looking for an excuse to get outside and be active, and tennis is a great opportunity to do that,” added Scott Prochaska, recreation superintendent at the Coralville Recreation Center.

The Coralville facility, he noted, has six outdoor courts that can be reserved for $5 an hour and also offers two summer sessions of lessons for children.

Westfield also offers a variety of classes all year, Anderl said. Adult clinics range from $15 per lesson to $22.50 per lesson depending on the class. Junior clinics start at $12 per lesson and go up to $15.

The club offers a variety of leagues and classes. Courts are available to rent for a fee nine months of the year and free June 1 to August 31.

In the Iowa City area, the North Dodge Athletic Club also offers classes for all skill levels this spring and summer. Spring sessions for children range from $9 to $152 depending on skill level and length of sessions. Adult spring classes range from $8 to $21 a class.

Fred Petersen, director of tennis at the club, said while they stay busy year-round, he does see more people looking to play outside this time of year.

The Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex has a combination of indoor and outdoor courts - 20 in all - with the indoor courts running at a higher fee.

Renters can buy in bulk by purchasing passes good for 10 or 20 court rentals.

The complex also offers a variety of classes for children and adults for spring and summer. Adult classes in spring and summer range $52 to $75 depending on class and membership status.

Most spring classes for children already have started but they range in price from $20 to $245 depending on the class, age level and membership status.

Summer camps and classes - which vary in duration and skill level - can range from $22.50 to $275.