USTA Florida Hosts Community Day At Palm Coast Southern Recreation Center, Looks To Expand Programming

PALM COAST, FLA., March 1, 2025 – USTA Florida hosted a Community Outreach Day on March 1, at the Palm Coast Southern Recreation Center. This special afternoon brought together players of all ages and skill levels for an exciting day on the courts, featuring a mix of tennis and pickleball activities, a special guest appearance, and a forum to discuss the future of tennis in Palm Coast. 

This event celebrated the recent expansion of the tennis center, which now has five brand-new tennis courts. On January 13, 2025, USTA Florida joined the City of Palm Coast in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the expansion, bringing the facility’s total to 15 courts. The expansion was made possible through a $700,000 USTA and USTA Florida Growth Catalyst Fund Grant, along with the dedicated efforts of city leaders, local advocates, and Welch Tennis Courts, Inc., which constructed the courts.  

USTA Florida has been actively working with the city to increase access to tennis and provide more play opportunities for the growing player base. As part of its commitment, USTA Florida will assess the facility’s current programming and recommend new events, leagues, and clinics to enhance community engagement. Even though there currently isn’t an agreement with the city, USTA Florida is thrilled to advocate for more tennis in the community. 

“It’s definitely the right thing to do,” Chuck Gill, USTA Florida President said. “The mission of the USTA Florida Section is to grow tennis and support tennis, and we saw this as an opportunity to make sure that Palm Coast had a wonderful, vibrant tennis community.”

Beyond the on-court action, USTA Florida hosted a community forum to gather feedback from local players, parents, and advocates about the types of programs and events they would like to see at the Southern Recreation Center. This was a great chance to hear from residents as the organizations works to shape the future of tennis and pickleball in Palm Coast.