Celebrating Public Parks & Championing Tennis: National Park & Recreation Month

Recently, the USTA and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced they are forming a new partnership to support healthier, happier communities throughout the United States. The collaboration between USTA and NRPA celebrates the ability of parks and recreation and the game of tennis to foster active, healthy communities nationwide and promotes inclusive access to recreational opportunities. 

As part of USTA, USTA NorCal is excited to join this initiative. In honor of National Park and Recreation Month, USTA NorCal extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Public Parks & Recreation Departments, which are vital to our community's participation in and love for tennis. It is remarkable to note that 70% of tennis across the United States takes place on public courts,* underscoring the essential role these spaces play in promoting physical activity and community engagement.

USTA NorCal is proud to have partnerships with over 150 public parks, working together to nurture the sport and provide opportunities for all. Give them some love and find your local park here.

Find a park now!

For the second year in a row, USTA NorCal hosted a Public Parks Tournament Series to get people out on the courts, where NorCal players had the chance to compete and move on to the 2024 National Public Parks Tennis Championships on September 20-22 at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Alabama. Check out some of the photos here.

However, USTA NorCal’s commitment to promoting and developing tennis extends beyond organizing events and tournaments. As a dedicated tennis ally for local public parks, USTA NorCal offers a variety of invaluable resources, including:

Resources for Your Park:

• Free USTA’s Park Agency Tennis Assessment: Helping parks evaluate and enhance their tennis facilities. Learn more here.

• Community Program Grants: Supporting parks in developing tennis programs and activities. Learn more and apply for funding here.

• Tennis Venue Services & Facility Assistance: Ensuring courts are well-maintained and accessible for everyone. Learn more here.

• Tennis Advocacy: Help you succeed in engaging with public and private-sector decision-makers in support of tennis at the local level Learn more here.

• Digital Tools: Access a suite of tools to help you run your programs and manage your tennis. Learn more here.

We celebrate and thank each and every one of our dedicated Public Parks & Recreation Departments for their ongoing commitment to providing accessible tennis opportunities in our NorCal section. Thank you for all you do. Happy National Park and Recreation Month!

*According to the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) 2021 Participation Report.