Kaunas introduces paid access to previously free tennis courts on Nemunas Island

Residents of Kaunas will now have to pay to use the outdoor tennis courts on Nemunas Island, which were previously free of charge, LRT reports.

From May, the courts—located near the new swimming pool and Žalgiris Arena—now charge €25 per hour between 6:00 and 16:00, and €30 per hour from 16:00 to 22:00. Reservations can be made via the Žalgiris swimming pool’s website.

Tadas Vasiliauskas, head of the Sports Department at Kaunas City Municipality, stated that the change was necessary due to frequent misuse of the facilities. “While the courts were free, attempts to improve the reservation system failed, and trainers often held paid sessions there, damaging the infrastructure,” he explained. “Many residents complained they couldn’t access the courts at all during the season.”

The tennis courts, along with children’s play areas, were funded by the municipality, while basketball and beach volleyball courts, as well as a cycling path, received partial EU support. Revenue from the new fees will be used for maintenance.

Despite the change, demand remains low—no bookings have been made for the upcoming weekend or weekdays, according to available data.