October 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 94

Match Point: Winning Events

Family Engagement

" Rounding Up " New Participants, Ferguson, MO

Play Tennis With Me, Waseca, MN

The City of Ferguson in Missouri and the Net Rushers Tennis Association
teamed up to sponsor a Spring " Tennis Roundup " to introduce four
different tennis activities to everyone in the community from ages 5
through 100. Eight courts were
divided into four different
activity areas, which included
Cardio Tennis, adult lessons,
10 and Under Tennis and
youth lessons. With free
registration and equipment
rental, the attraction exceeds
expectations every year and
helps sign up new participants
for summer classes.
" Overcoming Winter
Boredom with a QuickStart
Tennis Birthday Celebration "
celebrates the birthday of the QuickStart
Tennis play format every February with
an indoor tennis party. It's a great way for
kids to spend a dreary winter day getting
active and excited about 10 and Under
Tennis and looking forward to the start of
the spring tennis season. Last year, more
than 35 kids ranging from 2-1/2 to 10 years
old joined in on the fun. Next year, parents
will be included to reinforce their 'family
tennis friendly' approach. The day was jam
packed with 10 and Under Tennis, " tennis
ball " cupcakes, bananas and pretzels.
The pictures tell the story. Everyone had a great time and can't wait for
springtime tennis!
The tennis ball-shaped cupcakes were a big hit!
Tennis Block Party, Highlands Ranch, CO
Each spring, Lebsack Tennis Center at Redstone Park hosts a seasonopening " Spring into Tennis " block party, where new and returning players
are invited to join in a day of entertainment and court activities.
Entertainment includes a live band, clown and other roaming entertainers.
10 and Under Tennis courts provide opportunities for younger players and
equipment demo areas hosted by local tennis shops and manufacturers
tune in to the adult players. Escalating the festive atmosphere are prizes,
free giveaways, ice cream and cake.
The event requires minimal staffing and yet excites a large number of
participants for the upcoming tennis season.
" It's My Party " ... Custom Tennis Parties, Decatur, IL
Since Decatur Park District in Illinois, offers birthday party options at many
of its facilities, it decided to design a new party package to introduce
children to tennis. The district utilizes 10 and Under Tennis equipment and
has prizes, snacks and beverages on hand. It also encourages parents to
bring decorations, special treats and presents. The parties attract new
kids and families who have not previously visited the district's facilities and
offer a great day of healthy activity as well as a first tennis experience for
many of the kids.

In the Spring of 2010 Waseca Community Education & Recreation created
a new family-inspired introductory tennis program entitled " Play Tennis
With Me. " The program is designed to appeal to youth grades 1 through 4
and their parents. The program utilizes the QuickStart tennis play format,
allowing adults and youth of all skill levels to learn and enjoy the game with
ease. Parents were encouraged to participate so the family could work
together on skills development.
The program consists of four evening sessions. It offers a special low
introductory rate for kids and a half-price incentive for parents to sign up.
The program is a winner in the community, and parents are asking when it
will be offered again.

October 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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