Tennis Begins in Public Parks

National Public Parks Tennis Assoc.
For Active.com

Since 1923, public parks have played a vital role in the tradition of American tennis.

From Pancho Gonzales to James Blake; Billy Jean King to Chris Evert, the careers of many great tennis professionals began in one of the thousands of public parks that dot the American landscape.

These venues not only offer great exposure to tennis, but also create an environment as diverse as America's population, offering a unique playing experience unequaled anywhere else in the tennis community.

"As a player who grew up playing only on public courts, it presents a good feeling of being part of a larger and historic picture of tennis for the average player," said USTA Texas Executive Director Ken McAllister. "Of course, the truth that many of the greatest players also grew up on public courts adds to the credibility."

This spirit of grass-roots tennis continues with the National Public Parks Tennis Championships (NPPTC). Sponsored by the National Public Parks Tennis Association, the event brings together recreational and competitive tennis players from across the country in a celebration of community tennis.

"Although affordability and open access are two obvious pluses for youngsters learning at public centers," McAllister continued, "the mix of skill levels, backgrounds and athletes allow for an atmosphere of growth."

United States Lawn Tennis Association President Dwight Davis founded the National Public Parks Tennis Association (NPPTA) in 1923. Davis envisioned people playing tennis without a financial burden and created the NPPTC to promote the sport among “regular” players, “for whom private club privileges are not available.”

82nd Annual National Public Parks Tennis Championships

For one week this summer, New Orleans will be the center of public park tennis in the United States when the city will host the 82nd Annual National Public Parks Tennis Championships.

Consisting of a series of state championship tournaments culminating in the national championship, the NPPTC series is a reminder of what tennis in public parks offers both to the game and up-and-coming players.

"Although our mindset is that this is the bastion of recreational tennis, we can't forget that this is where the great Australian players of the 50's and 60's were discovered," said McAllister. "This is where the athletes, currently being skimmed away by soccer, baseball, or football, can also have a shot at trying tennis."

Hosted at the University of New Orleans' University Tennis Center, the facility features 26 courts: six clay courts to go along with 20 hard courts. One stadium court is also part of the facility, which  has already hosted several USTA Challenger and Satellite events since its opening. Over the next few years, the facility will add a conference championship event and regular season tournaments to its schedule. The facility is also in line to host the Sun Belt Conference tennis championships.