Central Falls celebrates opening of city’s new tennis courts

CENTRAL FALLS, RI (June 26, 2024) – Previously the only municipality in Rhode Island without a tennis court, on Wednesday Central Falls leaders and community members, joined by funders and tennis industry leaders, celebrated the official opening of the city’s new tennis courts.

“I’ve loved seeing so many of our youth engaged and excited about our free tennis programming we’ve offered for years, but not having a real court to play on has held our families back from the full sport experience,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “We’ve made such progress in Central Falls lately around new and renovated recreational spaces, and I’m proud to finally add tennis courts to that list! I’m grateful to our funders who helped make these new courts, and free youth programming, possible. I like to think the next Coco, Serena, or Venus might be from our One Square Mile!”

The new courts were made possible through funding by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, the U.S. Tennis Association of New England, the U.S. Tennis Association of Rhode Island, and ARPA dollars allocated by the city.

“These new courts will make tennis more accessible to all and add to the diversity of recreation amenities for the people of Central Falls,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “To borrow a tennis term, I hope these new courts are a smashing success for the whole community.  Advantage, Central Falls.”

“DEM is thrilled to see the Sacred Heart tennis courts project become reality, helped made possible through DEM’s Outdoor Recreation Grant program supported by voter-approved Green Bond funding,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Recreational assets help anchor communities, provide important opportunities for residents to get outdoor, and improve mental well-being, public health, and quality of life. Mayor Riviera and her team have done an outstanding job developing and improving recreation sites across the City. Their leadership in this area has been awesome!”

“Investing in the health and well-being of a community is at the heart of Neighborhood’s mission to serve Rhode Islanders,” said Peter Marino, President & CEO, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. “It is so energizing to see our kids jump into a life-long sport. We enjoyed working with the Mayor’s Office and the United States Tennis Association to build these tennis courts, and I hope they bring many happy hours to countless families in the years to come.” 

The new courts, located at 1 Sacred Heart Avenue, will expose more inner-city youth and families to the sport of tennis. Through a partnership with Progreso Latino and funding through the U.S. Tennis Association of New England, elementary and middle school students in Central Falls are being exposed to the sport through free summer lessons and free equipment, led by a USTA-approved coach. Lessons and equipment will also be available for Central Falls adults for a low $35 summer-session rate, including a free racket.

"I am happy to know that in Central Falls we have a court where we can come with our families to practice this sport,” said student Ashley Banquez, who has been engaged in the city’s free youth tennis programming through Progreso Latino.

Since 2015, the U.S. Tennis Association of New England has been working to introduce tennis to more Central Falls youth through free lessons and equipment, and training to local physical educators, the community police force, the Parks and Recreation Department, programs at Progreso Latino, programs with The Learning Community, and more. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many waitlisted programs. Until now, youth in these programs have relied on playing in creative spaces, like indoor gyms or drawings of makeshift courts on asphalt parking lots. The new courts give Central Falls youth the opportunity to learn and play like their peers in other cities and towns across the region. 

“We're thrilled for the Central Falls community with the opening of their brand new courts. These courts will serve as a place for the entire community to come together, introducing them to tennis, the healthiest sport, and its many other benefits. USTA New England supports a number of tennis programs and community organizations in the city, and these courts will allow us to collectively make an even bigger impact,” said Lindsey Keeler, USTA New England CEO and Executive Director.

The new tennis courts at 1 Sacred Heart Avenue are open to the public daily from 7:00am – 9:00pm.