Parks & Recreation
Tennis is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by people of any age or ability. The USTA's inclusive programs are designed to support healthy communities and promote an active lifestyle. Discover free resources, programs, and educational opportunities for park agencies that can enrich the recreational landscape in your community.
Parks & Recreation
Tennis is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by people of any age or ability. The USTA's inclusive programs are designed to support healthy communities and promote an active lifestyle. Discover free resources, programs, and educational opportunities for park agencies that can enrich the recreational landscape in your community.
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USTA Coaching
PUBLIC PARKS
AND THE USTA
PUBLIC PARKS AND THE USTA
Who We Are
As the national governing body for tennis in the U.S., the United States Tennis Association (USTA) champions the sport's growth at every level, from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. Growing Tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere is the mission of the USTA, and nowhere is that more clearly supported than through the work happening in public parks.
Why Parks?
Public parks are the foundation for the growth of tennis in the United States. Tennis has seen tremendous growth over the last several years with the majority of play happening in public spaces where it's most easily accessible to all.
Public parks and spaces have helped inspire some of tennis’ biggest stars including Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Jimmy Connors, Venus and Serena Williams, Frances Tiafoe and Coco Gauff. However most importantly the USTA is focused on enriching the lives of communities through public courts, parks, and programs.
Did You Know?
Public Tennis Courts
The majority of all U.S. participants play their tennis inexpensively on public park, school, and community center tennis courts.
*2025 U.S. Tennis Participation Report
Record Participation
In 2024, U.S. tennis participation surged to a record 25.7 million players, 46%+ since 2019. One in every 12 Americans (age 6+) played tennis in 2024 - the highest proportion on record.
*2025 U.S. Tennis Participation Report
Health Benefits
Tennis offers significant long-term health benefits. A Mayo Clinic study found that playing tennis can extend life by nearly 10 years - more than any other sport or activity.
*Mayo Clinic, Sep. 2018
Parks Spotlight
EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS: HOW COLLABORATION IS DRIVING TENNIS GROWTH IN NORTH CAROLINA
A strong partnership between the Apex Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department and the Western Wake Tennis Association has driven significant tennis growth in the Town of Apex, North Carolina, bringing hundreds of new players onto newly resurfaced courts.
HOW USTA TENNIS VENUE SERVICES IS EXPANDING TENNIS'S FOOTPRINT IN COLUMBIA, MO.
Thousands of people were brought to courts nationwide during National Tennis Month 2025, a successful USTA event that focused on growing the sport and building community.
NATIONAL TENNIS MONTH 2025 BROUGHT THOUSANDS TO THE COURTS TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF TENNIS
In a collaboration with USTA Tennis Venue Services, Columbia, Missouri, successfully built two new tennis courts to create a dedicated youth facility and expand local playing opportunities.
Resources for Parks
USTA Tennis Venue Services (TVS)
Discover how TVS's grant funding and team of experts can help you make your tennis facility a best-in-class destination.
USTA Statement of Guidance
Explore recommendations for the development, expansion, and renovation of public facilities and spaces related to tennis and pickleball.
Start Programs at Your Park
Share the game with others and unlock a lifetime of enjoyment and opportunity for players of all ages, levels and abilities.
USTA Digital Tools
Access a suite of digital tools and resources to help run your programs and manage your business.
USTA/Parks & Recreation State Associations Directory
Access a directory of USTA Section and Parks & Recreation State Associations' contact information, events, and annual conferences.
Park Agency Tennis Assessment (PATA)
Exclusively available to park agencies, the PATA is a complimentary USTA consultation service designed to strengthen the delivery of tennis in your community with personalized recommendations from industry experts.
Educational Opportunities
The USTA collaborates with industry experts and partners from the field to provide high-quality educational opportunities to parks professionals.
USTA Grassroots Webinar Series:
Learn from world-class tennis and industry experts. The USTA offers free webinars for Community Tennis Associations, Park Agencies, and Schools to help providers grow the game.
USTA Grassroots Webinar Series:
Learn from world-class tennis and industry experts. The USTA offers free webinars for Community Tennis Associations, Park Agencies, and Schools to help providers grow the game.
Good News: In Parks!
This interactive show facilitates the sharing of wins and success stories, offering fresh insights and strategies to serve communities through meaningful park and recreation initiatives.
NRPA Online Learning & Resource Center
NRPA supports park and recreation professionals by providing opportunities to learn from and with each other to advance equitable outcomes.
USTA & NRPA Partner to Advance Tennis Public Parks
The USTA is proud to partner with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and support their Health and Wellness pillar, promoting well-being through access to physical activities and nutrition opportunities, which has expanded tennis in public parks nationwide.
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