DPR Media Contacts: 


John Stokes, (202) 288-7275, [email protected] 


 

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is pleased to announce a weeklong collaboration with the Citi Open to celebrate the growing game of tennis. The agency will participate once again at the Citi Open Tennis Tournament.

 

DPR’s Tennis Division offers programmatic and competitive opportunities for youth and adults regardless of their age, skill level or economic status through instructional programs, play days, tournaments, competitive leagues and social tennis events. The Division is responsible for the oversight of more than 140 tennis courts throughout the District of Columbia as well as myriad citywide tennis programs, tennis training sessions and tennis events annually on local, regional and national levels.

 

“DPR maintains a strong commitment to growing the game of tennis here in the District," said DPR Director, Keith Anderson.  “DPR is proud to partner once again with the Citi Open organizers, USTA. Tennis is such an important sport because it can be played from an early age through your senior years. We look forward to continuing our emphasis on providing residents across the District with quality athletic activities such as tennis that benefit them physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

 

Tennis programs are available in all eight wards of the city and 90 percent of the programs are free to DC residents. In addition, DPR hosts 14 after-school tennis programs annually, 40 tennis play days, 10 after-summer camp programs seasonally, all-day tennis summer camps, 40 tennis enhancement summer programs, special needs tennis programs and senior tennis programs. In 2015, more than 1,000 youth were exposed to tennis through DPR summer camps and programming. Kids in summer programs regularly receive free breakfast and lunch. In addition DPR will continue “DPR Tennis Under the Lights”, an extremely popular evening free tennis social series.

 

DPR will participate in the following Citi Open events during the week:

 

 

Saturday, July 16

Community Day – National Parks Kids Day

Over 200 youth will participate in fun, spirited games of tennis. The fun starts at 10:00 am

at the Fitzgerald Tennis Center. Admission is free and all kids ages 14 and under receive a food voucher. The day will also include the Mascot Challenge – DPR’s  Leaf, Slapshot from the Capitals, the Geico Gecko, Top Spin and Slice from the Kastles,  George from George Washington University, and mascots from DC United, MD Terp and the Baltimore Ravens will engage in fun competition.

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

Saturday, July 16 – Sunday, July 24

Ward Nights at the Citi-Open

Each ward will have its own Ward Night at the Citi Open. During their ward night, the council member from their ward will participate in the Tennis Challenge on Stadium Court. 

 

Friday, July 22  - Sunday, July 24

Stars of Tomorrow Tennis Tournament

DPR tennis professionals will organize competitive tennis matches for youth ages 10 and under. There will be 10 clubs and 60 youth covering the DC Metro area. This is being supported by Events DC and Citi Open.

 

Tournament Match Play times:

Saturday, July 23

8:00 am – 8:00 pm

 

Sunday, July 24

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

 

Sunday, July 24

Citi Open Center Court Trophy Presentation

 

For more information on the Citi Open please visit : citiopentennis

 

About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.

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