Erie, PA - Mayor Joyce Savocchio

Summer Recreation Tennis Program

Staffed by professional tennis instructors from local tennis clubs, Erie's Summer Recreation Tennis Program offers free tennis lessons to City residents - the vast majority of them under 18 years of age. It is a partnership of the City, which provides funding from its CDBG grant and its General Fund; the YWCA, which operates the Program; and the Erie School District. Additional funds are donated by local companies and individuals. The donation of equipment - racquets, stringing and balls - allows young people who can't afford to buy equipment to participate. In addition, talented youth who can't afford to play in the winter are given work-study grants, court time and lessons by the two indoor tennis clubs in the area, Pennbriar and Westwood.

The lessons are given on newly-renovated tennis courts in City parks, and all skill levels are covered. Players are taught all aspects of the game - etiquette, sportsmanship, technique and strategy, included. The Program operates for eight weeks, from the middle of June to the middle of August. All courts are handicapped-accessible and the free instruction is available to persons with disabilities.

The Program started in 1994, serving 80 youth at two sites. Today, there are more than 350 participants receiving lessons at four sites. Because of the popularity of the Program, more hours of instruction are being added at each site.

Contact: Sid Goldstein, Coordinator Planner, Bureau of Parks and Recreation, (814) 870-1255

The United States Conference of Mayors

J. Thomas Cochran, Executive Director
1620 Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Telephone (202) 293-7330, FAX (202) 293-2352

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