Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) today unveiled 10 newly resurfaced, professional-grade NYC Parks tennis courts in Crotona Park. The courts are the only public tennis courts in the Bronx with lights for night play and are home to many of NYJTL's programs and events, including the Mayor Dinkins Cup, the nation's largest free junior interscholastic tennis competition.
The refurbishment included patching the court and applying a new sports coating. The project was completed in just three weeks through NYC Parks' Adopt-a-Park program , which allows organizations and individuals to support the renovation and beautification of parks, playgrounds, recreation centers and other public amenities.
As one of the USTA Foundation's 10 nationwide Community Impact Hubs, NYJTL received a grant of approximately $500,000 from the USTA Foundation and Yonex, the official equipment sponsor of the Community Impact Hubs initiative, to improve and expand no-cost school and family play programs at sites across the city. Through NYC Parks' Adopt-a-Park program, NYJTL dedicated half of the grant - $250,000 - to renovate the courts at Crotona Park. Contributions from the USTA Foundation's Young Professional Initiative also supported the project.
"The Crotona Park courts are ready to host the fiercest matches as tennis season peaks in New York City," said Mayor Mamdani. "In just three weeks, these 10 NYC Parks courts have been transformed into professional-grade public spaces for play, learning and connection. This partnership reflects what we have seen time and time again this summer: every New Yorker, no matter their age, experience or skill level, deserves a beautiful, welcoming place to play the sports they love."
"All New Yorkers deserve access to high-quality, safe and welcoming recreation spaces in their communities, just like these refurbished courts in Crotona Park. With demand for Parks tennis courts at an all-time high, we're thrilled that Bronx residents can enjoy these upgraded facilities to work on their serves and backhands, or maybe discover the sport for the first time," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "We're grateful to NYJTL, the USTA Foundation and Yonex for making this project possible and for helping to increase access to tennis programming across New York City."
"Sports access is the founding principle of NYJTL, which for 55 years has developed the character of young people through tennis and education," said NYJTL CEO & President Udai Tambar. "We are proud to increase tennis access in the 15th Congressional District, the poorest in the country; to contribute to the vitality of Crotona; and, in partnership with NYC Parks, to continue our programs and events in Crotona Park with revitalized courts for all."
"The Community Impact Hub Initiative builds on the USTA Foundation's efforts to transform the lives of young people by expanding access to school and family play opportunities, coach training and investment in courts. These added elements create a surround sound of growth, play and learning for the young people involved," said USTA Foundation CEO Ginny Ehrlich. "With our valued partner Yonex and with strong community anchors like NYJTL, we are creating opportunities for young people to get ready for life, on and off the court."
"At Yonex, we know that tennis can change lives and equally important, strengthen communities," said LaNiece Douglas, Yonex USA President. "We are proud to partner with the USTA Foundation to help expand tennis access to the sport, increase safe and welcoming places to play and support tomorrow's leaders on and off the court."
"Tennis can open doors that go far beyond the court," said NYS Assembly Member & Black Legislative Task Force Chair Chantel Jackson. "For a lot of our young people, especially in urban communities, tennis has not always been the sport they've had the same access or exposure to. That has to change. When we create spaces where our kids can learn the game, compete, build discipline, and develop relationships, we're also creating pathways to scholarships, college opportunities, mentorship, travel, and careers they may not have considered for themselves. The Crotona Park courts give our community another place to move, stay well, and see what's possible. I'm proud to see NYJTL making that opportunity more accessible right here in the Bronx."
"New York Junior Tennis & Learning has been a longstanding and reliable partner in my district for years, and their commitment to our young people is something The Bronx cannot live without," said Council Member & Bronx Delegation Co-Chair Amanda Farías. "This revitalization is about more than improving tennis courts - it is about bringing professional-grade facilities and world-class opportunities to our Bronx youth, all while keeping these courts free and accessible to the community. I am proud to celebrate this investment with NYJTL, the USTA Foundation, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and all the partners helping ensure that our young people have every opportunity to discover their potential, build confidence and succeed both on and off the court."
"Every year, the best tennis players in the world come to New York for the US Open, and the incredible field of talent that we see time and time again is made up of stars from everywhere on the globe and all walks of life," said Council Member & Bronx Delegation Co-Chair Justin E. Sanchez. "Venus and Serena Williams got their start on public courts in Compton. There's no reason the next champion can't get their start right here at Crotona Park. These courts give Bronx kids a place to fall in love with the game and begin their road to Flushing Meadows."
"Access to safe, high-quality recreational spaces is an investment in the health, development and future of our young people," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "The refurbishment of the Crotona Park tennis courts will help ensure that Bronx youth and families have welcoming spaces to stay active, build confidence and discover new opportunities through the game of tennis. I'm proud to support New York Junior Tennis & Learning and its continued commitment to expanding access to sports, education and mentorship for young New Yorkers, and I thank NYJTL, USTA, Yonex and all of the partners who helped bring new life to these courts."
"Bronx Community Board Three is proud to celebrate the newly refurbished Red Courts at Crotona Park," said Etta Ritter, District Manager of Bronx Community Board 3. "This investment demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships and our shared commitment to providing Bronx residents, particularly our young people, with safe, high-quality recreational spaces. We thank NYJTL, the USTA Foundation, NYC Parks and all of the partners who helped make this revitalization possible."
