DPR Media Contacts: 

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


(WASHINGTON, DC) – The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is pleased to announce the 2015 DPR Tennis Week – August 1, 2015 – August 9, 2015. As part of 2015 DPR Tennis Week, the agency will participate once again at the Citi Open Tennis Classic. 

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) recently announced it presented DPR with the USTA Organization Member of the Year Award. The national award is given annually to an organization that provides outstanding service to its members and to the local community. DPR is committed to growing the game of tennis through innovative programs and activities across all eight wards.

“Today's announcement reflects our commitment to growing the game of tennis here in the District," said DPR Director, Keith Anderson.  “DPR is proud of the recognition we have received from the 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.”

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.

Recently DPR unveiled the $18 million renovation on the District’s crown jewel tennis facility - the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) - which transformed, expanded, and enhanced the center facilities. In partnership with the Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC), founded by Cora Masters Barry, the tennis hub will also provide a unique opportunity to expand and launch additional educational, cultural, enrichment and athletic programs to serve children and families.

Tennis programs are available in all eight wards of the city and ninety 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 2014, more than 1,000 kids were exposed to tennis through DPR summer camps and programming. Kids in summer programs regularly receive free breakfast and lunch. In addition DPR started “Tennis Under the Lights”, an extremely popular evening free tennis social series.

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

Friday, July 31st
DPR Play Day
DPR youth will participate in a DPR Tennis Play Day. Tennis Play Days are an excellent way to get youth exposed to the game of tennis. Whatever the skill level, youth can enjoy the wonderful game of tennis. Youth and adults are encouraged to attend.
Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
11:45 am – 1:15 pm

Draw Ceremony
Players slots for the tournament are chosen.
Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Sunday, August 2nd
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 Capitols, 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

Monday, August 3rd
DPR to be acknowledged on Center Court by Citi Open and USTA for 2015 Member Organization of the Year
DPR will be acknowledged by Citi Open and USTA for their tennis achievements and being recognized as the 2015 USTA Member Organization of the Year. One of the highest honors bestowed by USTA.
5:30 pm

Tuesday, August 4th
Emirates Tennis clinic and equipment donation
Emirates presents DPR with a donation of tennis equipment, and will provide lunch for youth participating in the tennis clinic.
Takoma Tennis Courts, 300 Van Buren Street, NW
10:00 am

Tuesday, August 4th, Wednesday, August 5th, Thursday, August 6th
Tennis Clinic by DPR tennis staff
DPR tennis professionals will engage and teach the game of tennis to youth who have admission to the Citi Open
Tuesday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Wednesday, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Friday, August 7th  - Sunday, August 9th
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:

Friday, August 7th
12:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 8th
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 9th
8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sunday, August 9th
Citi Open Center Court Trophy Presentation
DPR staff, tournament participants and coaches will be on center court
12:30 pm

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.