Contact:
RWL Contact: Kelly Swanson/Lisa Milner, Swanson Communications, (202) 783-5500
DPR Media: John Stokes, (202) 288-7275, [email protected]
(Washington, DC) DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Washington Kastles' owner, Mark Ein, will join local politicians, business leaders, media personalities, area youth and their families for the 15th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) (701 Mississippi Avenue, SE) on Saturday, October 19 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC), in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Events DC and Washington Kastles' owner Mark Ein are key event supporters of this year’s Heart to Hart Tennis Experience.
The 15th Annual Heart to Hart is especially significant because of the ceremonial ground breaking and press conference that will take place at 11:00 am with Mayor Gray, Cora Masters Barry, representatives from the Department of General Services (DGS), DPR, the Washington Kastles, the US Tennis Association-Washington DC (USTA) and the SETLC. The partners will announce the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center’s $18 million renovation project.
“This is a special occasion for all of us, as it is a reminder of how we started our efforts to raise needed funds for the children of the District of Columbia almost 16 years ago,” said Cora Masters Barry, Founder and CEO of RWLC. “Through ‘Heart to Hart,’ and the support we receive from local politicians, business leaders, community members, Events DC, and Mark Ein, we can continue to provide our programming for the children. It will be a fantastic day of fun and fundraising.
“We are also so thrilled to unveil our plans to give our beloved center a ‘face lift,’ so DC youth will have a place to learn and grow for decades to come,” continued Mrs. Barry. “The renovated SETLC will continue the mission of the RWLC to provide excellent education and tennis training to the District’s youth.”
Renovations are scheduled to start by March 2014 and the project will include: six new 78' outdoor hard courts, one new 78' clay tech outdoor practice court, six new 78' interior hard courts, new conditioning room, new pavilion, new court lighting, spectator seating, new multi-purpose room and classroom, new masonry walls and steel structure to cover the indoor courts (replacing the current bubble), LEED-Silver certified, ADA compliant and more. The facility will continue to be operational during construction. The interior renovations are slated for completion by fall 2014 and the outdoor renovations are slated for completion by summer 2015.
The 15th Annual Heart to Hart is also honored to have former world-class ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) tennis player, Brian Vahaly, who was ranked #64 in the United States in 2003 and played on the ATP tour for six years. His professional tennis career spanned from 2001 to 2007, and he competed in the Australian Open in 2003 and 2004, the US Open in 2002 and 2003, and both the French Open and Wimbledon in 2003. Vahaly currently serves on the USTA’s Board of Directors, is the founder of the Brighter Future Foundation and resides in the metropolitan DC area. Vahaly will compete in a celebrity “mixed doubles” match at Heart to Hart – Brian Vahaly and Rashid Slade vs. Mark Ein and Taylor “Woodie” McKnight.
“Each year, the Heart to Hart Tennis Experience provides entertainment and showcases the great work done by the RWLC. This year, the experience is highlighted by a ground breaking for what will be an amazing tennis facility in the heart of Ward 8,” said Sharia Shanklin, DPR Interim Director. “Today is a great day for the SETLC and we look forward to celebrating next year’s Heart to Hart in the brand new, renovated facility next year.”
As is the tradition, junior and adult tennis players will team up in doubles tennis and compete in the daylong tournament. After a fun-filled day of tennis matches, the press conference, clinics, and physical fitness, an awards ceremony will be held.
“The Department of General Services is excited to be partnering with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center to fully modernize the existing tennis facility,” said Brian J. Hanlon, DGS Director. “The new indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a new fitness center, and other renovations will enhance the already outstanding tennis and educational programs offered at the center.”
To participate in this year’s “Heart to Hart Tennis Experience,” click HERE to register.
To schedule media interviews with Cora Masters Barry, CEO/Founder of the Recreation Wish List Committee; Jeri Ingram, SETLC Site Manager; SETLC parents and SETLC kids playing in the tournament, please contact John Stokes, DPR Chief of Staff, at (202) 288-7275 or [email protected].
ABOUT THE SOUTHEAST TENNIS AND LEARNING CENTER (SETLC)
SETLC is a world-class, state-of-the art, $5.1 million tennis facility located in Ward 8. The SETLC serves over 85 District youth daily by providing tennis instruction, tutoring, life skills, developmental chess, and educational and personal reinforcement to the District’s youth. Tax deductible sponsorships for the 15th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience are available for individuals, clubs and corporations. For more information, contact the Recreation Wish List Committee by telephone at (202) 678-7530 or via email at [email protected].
ABOUT EVENTS DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding festival grounds, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and Maloof Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.
ABOUT THE DC DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The mission of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is to enhance the quality of life and wellness of DC residents and visitors by providing equal access to affordable and quality recreational services, by organizing programs, activities and events. DPR currently operates 78 playgrounds, 68 recreation centers, 900 acres of park land, 40 aquatic features (pools and spray parks), 375 parks, over 200 play courts (basketball and tennis), and more than 100 athletic fields.
ABOUT THE DC DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES (DGS)
The mission of the Department of General Services (DGS) is to elevate the quality of life for the District with superior construction, first-rate maintenance and expert real estate management. By building and maintaining safe and green state-of-the-art facilities, which foster economic growth and elevate educational environments, our trusted and skillful employees create modern and vibrant communities across all of the District of Columbia.
For information about DPR's programs and activities, be sure to follow DPR on Facebook, Twitter, join our Mailing List or visit our Website.
