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New court lines at Albany's Lincoln Park.
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Amber Marino, 15-LOVE’s Executive Director, has worked with USTA Facilities Assistance and received funding for area park projects. 15-Love operates at Arbor Hill Park with 3 courts; Lincoln Park, a 6 court facility where funding helped line 4 of these courts and Prospect Park, a 14 court facility where 4 courts were lined as well.
Amber talks about the experience and shares advice if you are someone looking to receive assistance at your facility.
What type of facility assistance did you receive from the USTA? How has it helped your facility and programming?
All three parks received line grants. It has given us the ability to run 10 and Under leagues at these sites, makes 10 and Under instruction so much easier, and serves as a draw for families to the sites.
What advice would you give someone looking to receive facility assistance from the USTA?
Be flexible. The facilities assistance grants are an amazing opportunity, but your initial plans may not be feasible for your site, so be prepared to make some changes and trust that the USTA will leave you with a safe, playable, re-energized site.
What do you see as the biggest area for growth in your facility (or with your organization)?
I believe that the blended lines will allow for more 10 and Under growth, and draw more families to each site.
If you could add any amenity to your facilities, what would it be?
Bathrooms (with toilet paper) and water fountains!
If you could have anyone train at your facility, who would it be and why?
James Blake. Our 15-LOVE kids still love him and I think he's a great role model. He is extra popular with 15-LOVE because one of our previous participants, instructor and Program Director, Ryan Artis, now a patent lawyer and board member, is a James Blake look alike.