Parks & Recreation
We have various programs and education opportunities to help your park and recreation department develop and optimize tennis programs.
Parks & Recreation
We have various programs and education opportunities to help your park and recreation department develop and optimize tennis programs.
PUBLIC PARK LEADERS AND THE USTA
WHO WE ARE
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis and the leader in promoting and developing in the sport's growth on every level in the United States, from local communities to the crown jewel of the professional game, the US Open.
WHY PARKS?
We recognize that public parks are the foundation for the growth of tennis in this country and a crucial part of our sport’s long term health vitality.
HOW CAN WE HELP EACH OTHER?
The sport of tennis is an important part of improving communities, schools, the health of individuals and the quality of life for all. Tennis can make a difference in people’s lives.
70% Percent of all U.S. participants play their tennis inexpensively on public park, school, and community center tennis courts*
1 in every 13 Americans (age 6+) played tennis in 2023. Tennis adds nearly 10 years to your life, more than any other sport or activity.
Tennis is a sport that can be learned and played for a lifetime, appealing across all age demographics.
Play tennis at your local park
USTA is a proud Health & Wellness sponsor for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Get active and enjoy the world's healthiest sport in your local park. Boost your mood, fitness, and community connection!
BENEFITS OF TENNIS
*According to the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) 2021 Participation Report.
Physical Health
Tennis is one of the only sports that a person can play for life. Tennis fights the inactivity pandemic. Tennis gets people moving!
Mental Health
Tennis creates a network of friends who socialize beyond the court. This is vital today, as technology often isolates people.
Social Health
From alertness to tactical thinking, tennis helps keep the brain agile and young, and helps to relieve tension.
Inclusivity
Tennis is a game that can be adapted for any mental, physical or emotional disability. Advocating for tennis in your community can help increase participation in the sport from underserved populations.
USTA Statement of Guidance
Download our public facilities approach to tennis and pickleball.
Parks & Recreation:
The Foundation for Tennis Growth & Vitality
The USTA has prioritized collaborating and strengthening relationships with local parks and recreation departments nationwide to help attract, retain, and engage with diverse members of the local community in order to further support the USTA's mission of promoting and developing the growth of tennis across America and beyond.
Park Agency Tennis Assessment
The Park Agency Tennis Assessment is a complimentary USTA consultation service that aims to produce actionable deliverables to park agencies. Through discussions with the city director of facilities, city director of tennis, local partners, USTA Section/District, city/park programming director and other entities, the park agency will receive personalized recommendations and action items that will improve the delivery of tennis within the community.
Tennis Advocacy
Advocacy for tennis involves taking our knowledge and passion for tennis and connecting it to the needs of communities, schools, colleges and local governments. Advocacy is the ability to demonstrate to decision-makers how tennis programs can benefit the community. The USTA has developed a comprehensive suite of community advocacy tools that include the Community Advocacy Handbook.
Start the Assessment process here:
Resources for your Park
Educational Opportunities
Working with partners from around the industry allows us to provide park employees with a number of opportunities to earn continuing education unit credits for NRPA, US Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR.) To view available sessions, please visit the pages below.
Collaborators
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