When you think of Westport, Connecticut, it doesn't usually conjure up a bargain hunter's paradise. For Westport residents, however, a hands-down, favorite bargain is Longshore Town Park. For $35, residents can obtain a handpass, which allows them to sign up for recreational programs, have free use of the Longshore swimming pools and for nominal additional fees, golf, play tennis and obtain boat launch permits. 
For tennis lovers, however, today was free!! One day, each summer, Longshore hosts a Family Tennis Festival, to introduce town residents to this wonderful facility.
The Festival offered something for everyone. There were Junior Clinics, starting with the 3-5 year old, PeeWee class. Watch out Rafael and Venus. There are new champs in the making, just warming up.
There were also adult clinics, and for those preferring non-supervised hitting, the opportunity to demo some new Wilson tennis racqets. Those with a competitive spirit, took part in a World Team Tennis Round Robin Tournament.
All that activity was a sure way to work up an appetite. Not to worry - Joey's By the Sea, the Compo Beach concession stand, provided hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and drinks.
The Longshore facility comprises 9 HarTru soft courts. During the summer, the courts are open from 8 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. Courts are available for reserved play for 1 1/2 hour sessions. On weekends and holidays, 7 courts are available for two morning sessions of Open Doubles, from 8-9:30 and 9:30 to 11:00.
MARILYN - That sounds like an amazing place and a real value at only $30 per year. When I lived in an apartment, we went to the town pool and paid $4 each per day. I'd be surprised if many people see this post and don't sign up.
Adam- Handpasses are available only to town residents. Short term renters (30 days to under 1 year) can pay an additional $425 entitling fee, to use the facilities.
Longshore was a privately owned country club, until 1960, when the town bought it for $1,925,000. It was money, well spent. It's easily the best bargain, in Westport.