Tennis: It’s for Everyone!

(This article was written by Krista Bañuelos and was featured in the June 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

Photo by Ana Rangel

Nestled in the heart of Pendleton Park you will find the H-E-B Tennis Center. At first glance, you might not realize that a flurry of activity is taking place every day of the week in this top-notch facility. On one court, you’ll hear the laughter of children running to return tennis balls during a group class and on another, you’ll discover a focused group of adults playing a friendly doubles match after a long workday. On weekends and most evenings, you can find avid middle school, high school, and even collegiate tennis players meeting up to practice and maintain their skill levels. They all share and enjoy the camaraderie of this unique sport.

The courts and grounds are wonderfully maintained by the City of Harlingen’s Parks and Recreation department. The staff is welcoming and accommodating – whether you want to take a bucket of tennis balls to practice your serves or simply meet up with a friend to play a match. The indoor pro-shop area is air-conditioned with restrooms and concessions for purchase. Spectators can use the tables and shaded benches throughout the grounds to watch their friends and family play. The courts are lit when open in the evenings so you can beat the heat this summer.

Photo by Krista Bañuelos

Benefits of Playing Tennis

Tennis is known as a “lifetime sport,” meaning you can enjoy it in all seasons of life, no matter your skill level or ability. You can start playing at any age to take advantage of its numerous health benefits. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) states, “Did you know, playing tennis just 3 hours per week can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 56%? Or, as one long-term study shows, tennis players add 9.7 years to their life over sedentary individuals?” In addition to the exercise it provides, tennis aids in stress reduction and increases positive mental health. My personal saying is, “when I might not play my best tennis, I always have the best day playing!”

Where All Are Welcome

The H-E-B Tennis Center promotes inclusiveness so that tennis is accessible to all. Loaner rackets are available, and they can answer all your questions about how to get started. You can reach out to the tennis center directly or to the Harlingen Area Tennis Association website (https://harlingentennis.org) to find learning opportunities for beginners or to find partners to play with recreationally and/or competitively. They strive to offer affordable court prices, memberships, and equipment rentals, so that cost is not a barrier to participate.

Harlingen’s tennis community is made up of many friendly people from all walks of life who genuinely want to see the game grow in this city. I happen to play regularly with a fantastic group of women through one of the tennis leagues hosted at the center. Being in a tennis league enables friendships and is something to look forward to amid life’s busyness and responsibilities. My league is composed of women who range in age from being fresh out high school to women in their retirement years. Some of them grew up playing tennis while others found tennis later in life. They are all athletes who constantly strive to improve their personal game. It’s inspiring and motivating to be a part of such a team.

Photo by Krista Bañuelos

Don’t forget about the family! Tennis is also something the entire family can benefit from and grow closer together. You can go out onto the courts as a family and play for fun and get exercise as a bonus. It is a special way of staying active while building memories together.

Programming for All Levels

It is no surprise that the H-E-B Tennis Center continues to attract players from all over the Rio Grande Valley to enjoy the courts and participate in all the programming they have to offer:

• Private and group lessons for all ages and abilities are ongoing during the week to help to pick up knowledge and skills

• Tournaments of all kinds include children, youth, and adult match play, professional-level matches, area schools, and even community fundraisers

• Summer camps where kids can stay active in a safe environment and have fun at the same time

• Capable Kids programming

• Tennis leagues for men and women at different skill levels to play competitively and recreationally

You can visit the H-E-B Tennis Center at 1613 Morgan Blvd. or call them at 956-216-5958 to learn about the programs and amenities they offer. A community gem is waiting for you.