Central Falls, international tennis leaders celebrate future new tennis courts, expanded free tennis programs and equipment for city youth

CENTRAL FALLS, RI (August 3, 2021) – Today, Central Falls leaders and community members were joined by international tennis industry leaders to celebrate the city’s future new tennis courts, designed to expose more city youth to the sport of tennis. Currently, Central Falls is the only city or town in RI without tennis courts.

“Former Mayor James Diossa had a vision and plan in place to bring these courts to life at Sacred Heart and expand tennis programming in our city. These plans have been in place for years through a partnership he launched with USTA New England, and we’re finally now moving closer to the start of construction,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “So many of our youth have enjoyed our free tennis programming and equipment in recent years, but the reality of having no true court to play on has held our kids back from the full sport experience that kids in other communities have. The programming demand is here and keeps growing -- we could have the next Venus or Serena!”

Since 2015, USTA New England has been working to introduce tennis to more Central Falls youth through free lessons and equipment, and training to local physical educators, the community police force, the Parks and Recreation Department, programs at Progreso Latino, and more. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many waitlisted programs. Until now, youth in these programs have relied on playing in creative spaces (gyms, drawings of makeshift courts on asphalt parking lots, etc.).

"It is inspiring to see the work we have collectively done with the city and school district to build a tennis community here in Central Falls,” said David Champoux, President and CEO of USTA New England. “The construction of the two courts will ensure tennis will always have a place here. USTA New England is committed to supporting programming and growing interest in the sport now and in the future.”

The initial work to introduce tennis and build courts in the city was spearheaded by former Mayor James Diossa, who was determined to grow the quality-of-life and healthful recreational opportunities for the city’s residents.

“As Mayor, I always felt the importance of providing our residents, especially our youth, options for recreation. Tennis, I believe, helps teach life skills as well as provide a good healthy option for a sport. Central Falls, was the only urban community in Rhode Island to not have a tennis court, now that has changed,” said former Mayor James Diossa. “I want to thank all those involved, and in particular Derek Collamati, the City’s fund developer, who understood my vision and was relentless in finding the funding to make this project a reality.  I would also like to offer my deepest thanks to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and USTA New England for making this dream a reality.”

The new tennis courts are funded by grants through the U.S. Tennis Association – New England and the RI Department of Environmental Management. Opportunities will continue growing for youth in the city to be exposed to the sport through a new partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

“DEM is delighted to be a partner in bringing the Sacred Heart tennis courts project into reality through funding from the 2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond,” said RI DEM Acting Director Terrence Gray. “What a fantastic resource this will be for the local community. I’m sure the new tennis courts will be the go-to place for Central Falls families to get outdoors, enjoy some fun activities together, learn a new sport, or brush up on their tennis strokes!”

“We at the International Tennis Hall of Fame are excited to see access to tennis, especially for our youth, growing in Central Falls and other areas throughout the state,” said Todd Martin, former 4th-ranked professional player in the world and CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “Now more than ever, the lifelong benefits that early exposure to tennis provides could not be more important.”

“I think it’s great that they are building tennis courts in this park. Not only will it be great for kids, but for any person who would love to have fun playing tennis in our community.  And, these courts will help motivate kids to exercise and have fun,” said Claudia Mejia, a young youth participant in Progreso Latino’s summer tennis program in partnership with USTA New England.

The new tennis courts will be located at Sacred Heart Park on Sacred Heart Avenue in Central Falls, with construction anticipated to start and be completed this fall.

The City of Central Falls is reminding residents that the current basketball court at Sacred Heart will be open to the public into September, and the community is encouraged to continue using the available public basketball courts at Higginson Avenue, open daily from 7am-9pm. Funds are currently being identified to add an additional new basketball court in the City, part of an ongoing effort to continue expanding healthy recreational opportunities.