Part of ‘Healthy Nassau’ Initiative
For the second year in a row, the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) Eastern section will bring its innovative and free “QuickStart” instructional program to tennis courts at eight Nassau County parks, on Wednesday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as part of Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi’s “Healthy Nassau” initiative. In the event of rain, the program will be held July 24.
QuickStart is designed to introduce children 10 years of age and younger to the sport by utilizing equipment, court dimensions and scoring that is tailored to their age and size. USTA describes the program as “one of the most significant moves ever to introduce tennis to youth.” At each park, there will be one pro from the U.S. Professional Tennis Association and one staffer from USTA together with volunteers.
USTA Eastern section will provide balls, racquets, nets and other materials. Additionally, the nonprofit Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc. will donate tennis racquets to those children in need, while supplies last. Meanwhile, pros trained to work with “special needs” children will be available at North Woodmere Park.
In addition to North Woodmere Park (571-7801), the parks taking part in the program include: Cantiague (571-7056); Centennial (571-8695); Christopher Morley (571-8113), Cow Meadow (571-8685), Eisenhower (572-0348); Nickerson Beach (571-7700); and Wantagh (571-7460). At Nickerson Beach Park, there is a parking fee of $8 (residents with Leisure Pass) or $20 (for those without a Leisure Pass).
The one-day tennis program is part of County Executive Suozzi’s “Healthy Nassau” initiative designed to make Nassau County the healthiest county in the nation. Healthy Nassau initiatives have included creating the organic farm at Old Bethpage Village Restoration; continuing to preserve the County’s remaining open space; seeding 2 million shellfish in Hempstead Harbor; and working with other large municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For additional information, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or call 572-0200.
