Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, was joined by Ximena Hartsock, Acting Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Lucy S. Garvin, President and Chairman of the Board of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), and Jeff Newman, Legg Mason Tennis Classic Tournament Director, at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park to announce a new partnership between DPR and USTA. Through the new partnership, USTA will continue to expand their support for tennis and tennis programs across the District of Columbia.
“I'm very proud to announce a partnership between the United States Tennis Association with the Washington DC through the Department of Parks and Recreation," said Mayor Fenty. "Providing our residents, and especially our youth, with high quality recreational opportunities is a priority for my administration."
Through this new partnership, USTA will be assisting DPR launch a comprehensive tennis program in 8 hubs. The children will have access to an afterschool program as well as the opportunity to improve their tennis skills. USA will provide technical assistance, professional development, equipment, and overall guidance in the planning and implementation faces of the program. As part of today's announcements, coaches from USTA Mid-Atlantic section hosted a youth tennis clinic.
"We are thrilled by, and greatly appreciate, the energy and commitment Mayor Fenty and his staff are bringing to tennis in Washington, DC," said Lucy S. Garvin. "The District and the USTA share a common goal: expose this great sport to as many young players as possible, even those who never imagined that one day tennis might become their sport of choice."
In July, Mayor Fenty was previously joined by USTA for the launch of the DPR Youth Tennis Pilot Program which was introduced citywide through DPR's Camp Discovery summer camp program, allowing nearly 4,000 children and youth ages 6 to 13 years old to participate in the pilot program’s introduction. The DPR Youth Tennis Pilot Program incorporates USTA's QuickStart Tennis format, a new format which was developed to help children and youth 10 years old and under to learn and play the game of tennis. USTA is supporting the pilot program by providing staff training and specialized equipment, including portable QuickStart nets, racquets, and balls.
"The partnership with USTA will greatly assist DPR in our goal to continue to expand and enhance the tennis programs available to our residents," said Ximena Hartsock, DPR Acting Director. "I'm very grateful for the continued support of USTA for DPR's recreational and athletic programs.”
DPR currently offers a variety tennis programs for children, youth, and adults, year-round at sites across the District of Columbia. To learn more about DPR tennis programs or other athletic programs, visit the "Athletic Programs" section of DPR’s website, dpr.dc.gov or contact DPR Athletics at (202) 671-1700.