What is Compete in the Parks?
In 2003, USTA Eastern section’s Adult competition department launched Compete in the Parks, where we partner with tournament directors of charities, clubs, parks and recreation sites to offer a series of non-ranking tournaments. These events are offered under the banner of USTA Eastern and can use a variety of alternative scoring such as compass draws and round robins.
The Compete in the Parks series is marketed to charities, Community Tennis Associations (CTA’s), public parks, private clubs, local and fun tournaments. The program is geared toward players who wish to compete locally in a non-ranked tournament which may use a shortened format. Although Compete in the Parks was started by our Adult Competition department, it can be marketed to include junior and family tournaments as well.
The site or organization running the event must be a USTA Organization member. Participants are encouraged, but not required to be USTA members.
The first ever open doubles tournament took place June 26-June 27 at the Fort Greene Park. The tournament attracted 50 players to play and it was separated into two draws for the advanced and intermediate category. The funds raised from this tournament will go towards the mission of the association. The Fort Greene Tennis Association (FGTA) was founded to raise awareness and funds to repair and maintain six public courts within Fort Green Park, in beautiful Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY. The FGTA will also encourage health and wellness in the community through tennis-related activities, such as tournaments and the support of children’s' tennis clinics on the courts. This organization is supported by volunteer efforts.
The A Draw winners were Jamie Porsella and Ian Katz; the runners up were Alison Hughes and Keenan Hughes. The B Draw winners were Ramon Factora and Julian Kim; and the runners up were Rich Rodriguez and Kalil Vicioso.
It was a great weekend of support from the players, spectators and all the organizers. FGTA had the support of donators, and players helped with the donated prizes and refreshments from Fila, Body By Brooklyn, Oxford Apparel, Knopf Publishers, Fresh Fanatic, E. Silverio Stringing, and USTA Eastern.