Tennis, Anyone?

Park Lakes Tennis & Paddle Club is Mountain Lakes’ little-known gem. Set in a quiet wooded area of the Borough, it offers competitive play in a tranquil setting.

As you may have already guessed, Park Lakes is not your typical private tennis club, and that is deliberate. Its members describe it as less pretentious, more intimate, and community-driven. Tennis can be played on one of the five red clay courts. For those who prefer something other than tennis, the Club also offers platform tennis on six well-lit paddle courts, pickleball on three new standalone courts, and padel, considered to be the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport.

“It is competitive when you want it to be, but always welcoming,” says Club President Bob Engdahl. “That combination is hard to find.”

Early Beginnings

Park Lakes dates to 1940, when 14 members of the Lake Arrowhead Tennis Club decided to expand its facilities and bought land from the Park Lakes Land Company. The Club has grown substantially over the years in its facilities and membership. It is governed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for policy setting and operations.

Recounting his Club connection, Engdahl says, “Growing up in Montville, I had always been aware of Park Lakes and visited many times. I joined Park Lakes in 2017 to play platform tennis and tennis in addition to enjoying the social aspect of the club, and now also have gotten into padel and pickleball. I joined the board in 2019 and have been President since 2021.”

Matt Fawcett became Director of Racquets at Park Lakes in the Fall of 2025 and has expanded its tennis and platform tennis offerings. He is also developing new programs for both pickleball and padel.

He says, “Whether it’s on the courts or just spending time around the club, it really feels like a second home in my short stint being here. The social connection and welcoming feel is probably the best part.”

Board member Angie Dello’s story reflects the club’s evolution. She joined in 2019 to help grow pickleball, long before dedicated courts existed. “We started on paddle courts, then moved to the parking lot,” Dello notes. “That’s very Park Lakes. If there’s interest, we find a way.”

Court Time

Because the Club has a limited membership, there is rarely a problem getting a court, even during peak times. The Club features a no-reservation culture that allows members to, as Engdahl puts it, show up, mix in, and play.

“It keeps things social and fluid,” Engdahl explains. “You’re not locked into a schedule; you’re part of a community.”

According to Engdahl, access is one of the club’s biggest advantages. The vibe is active, not crowded.

However, membership growth is in the picture but won’t be at a rapid rate. “Maintaining the club’s low-key, welcoming atmosphere is the priority,” Engdahl emphasizes. “We’re not trying to become something we’re not.”

How does Park Lakes attract new members? For many years, it has been through word of mouth. Engdahl attributes this to a reflection of member loyalty and experience. But to quote Bob Dylan, the times they are a-changin,’ and this being the 21st century, the Club has expanded its social media presence. It introduced limited promotions, including a current initiative waiving the initiation fee for new members through June 30.

Thoughtful Growth

An exception to the no-reservations policy is padel because it has only one court. True to the Park Lakes way, this may not be the case for long. In fact, Park Lakes has undergone some significant physical changes recently, including a new pro-shop added last fall and plans for expanded decking and viewing areas.

Engdahl says, “In addition to its five red clay tennis courts, the club has expanded from three to six platform tennis courts and introduced both pickleball and padel, making it one of the only clubs in the region offering all four racquet sports.”

He adds, “Many of our members were already playing these sports elsewhere. Adding them here was a natural next step.”

While pickleball and padel are rapidly gaining popularity, the former due to its accessibility and the latter for its fast-paced, dynamic style, it is tennis and platform tennis that remain the foundation of the Club.

Engdahl explains, “It gives members the freedom to explore different games while staying in the same community. The goal has been to enhance the experience without overcomplicating it. More options, same feel.”

As for those red clay courts, said to be a rarity in Morris County, they offer a slower pace of play, longer rallies and a more strategic style while being easier on the body. “There’s also just something about clay,” Fawcett adds. “It brings a certain classic feel to the club.”

As a member-owned club, Park Lakes operates through a dedicated group of members who volunteer their time to help manage different aspects, according to Engdahl. There is a strong sense of pride among members, and it’s a big part of what makes the Club feel so personal and community-oriented. Whether it’s with social events, organized tournaments, or just general projects to help maintain the Club, member volunteers are always willing to help.

“There’s a real sense of pride here,” Engdahl says. “People care because it’s theirs.”

Park Lakes Tennis & Paddle Club is located at 20 Rainbow Trail, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. For more information, visit parklakestennis.org.

Photographs by Antonietta Henry