Supporting Public Parks & Advocating for Tennis: National Park and Recreation Month

USTA Florida’s commitment to promoting and developing tennis extends beyond organizing events and tournaments. As the organization celebrates National Park and Recreation Month, USTA Florida is dedicated to tennis management and public park advocacy, USTA Florida is helping bring tennis to hundreds of communities in the state.

The staple of USTA Florida’s advocacy lies in tennis management, as the organization manages and operates four tennis facilities across the state, working with city officials to ensure tennis is available for everyone. “At USTA Florida it is very important for our Tennis Managed facilities to be at the heart of the community,” John Sanders, Director of Tennis Management. USTA Florida collaborates with cities to bring high-quality tennis facilities and programming for players of all ages and skill levels.

In 2017, the Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach became the first public facility that USTA Florida managed. This park offers a range of amenities including clay and hard courts, a pro shop, and tennis instruction programs led by certified professionals. RCCB has had very strong league play participation, and it has been a growing strength at the facility. Junior tournaments at various levels have also been well received in an area that has had very little tournament opportunity. Junior programming at all levels and adult beginner programming has been a great success.

Located in the heart of the Florida panhandle, the Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Tennis Center boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including lighted hard courts and a dedicated staff committed to promoting tennis in the community. From group clinics to private lessons, the center caters to players of all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone has the chance to enjoy the sport.

FWB was the organization’s second facility, which was turned over to USTA Florida to manage in 2018. It has always been a military focused community and has strived to fulfill the needs of that demographic. Offering junior and adult programming has really grown since taking over the facility. Middle school junior team tennis has been a unique success at the facility. Overall, the facility has introduced many programs, events, and tournaments for the entire community!

USTA Florida’s third facility lies in northern Florida, as Play Tennis Gainesville is home to hundreds of tennis players. First managed by the organization in 2019, USTA Florida made it a goal to reopen the four facilities that make up PTG and improve them. Those four being Albert Ray Massey Park – Joyce Oransky Tennis Center, T.B. McPherson Park, Tom Petty Park, and Northside Park.

PTG has a very strong community outreach program which sets it apart from the other facilities. Unifying the community through various partnerships to reach the underserved community has been a driving force at the facility. These locations now boast a vibrant tennis community with programs designed to enhance skills and foster a passion for tennis. With well-maintained courts and experienced coaches, the facility provides a welcoming environment for players to learn, practice, and compete.

Finally, Riverside Racquet Complex, which USTA Florida took over management of in 2023, resides in the beautiful city of Vero Beach. Home of the courts that former top American pro, Mardy Fish grew up on, Riverside features a comprehensive tennis facility with a variety of court surfaces, including hard courts, lighted practice walls, a pro shop, and much more. Riverside also has a strong community outreach program in partnering with the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation. The community has been ecstatic about the facility providing programming for the underserved junior community, in addition to adult play opportunities. With a focus on promoting tennis as a lifelong sport, the complex welcomes all ages and backgrounds!

Additionally, all of the coaches that teach tennis for USTA Florida managed facilities are Safe Play certified, meaning that anyone who comes out will be able to learn in a welcoming and secure environment.

“With our facilities being in public space, we can provide opportunities ranging from entry level players to more experienced players,” Sanders added. “We are committed to offering low-cost programs to make tennis more accessible to any and all players in our local communities.”

On top of managing these four facilities, USTA Florida is dedicated to advocating for the development of public tennis facilities statewide. By partnering with local communities, city councils, and organizations, USTA Florida works to increase access to tennis courts and programming in public parks, schools, and recreational facilities. “Public parks are a great venue for potential players to be introduced to the game and play a vital role in the tennis ecosystem,” Sanders said.

By providing resources, support, and guidance, USTA Florida empowers communities to embrace tennis as a fun and inclusive activity that promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and social connection.

As USTA Florida continues to expand its Tennis Management division and advocate for more public tennis facilities that offer the lifelong sport, the organization remains committed to its mission of promoting and developing tennis for all Floridians. By providing opportunities for individuals to play, learn, and compete, USTA Florida is shaping the future of tennis in the state and beyond.