Located in South LA, Harvard Park is celebrating brand new tennis courts

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the dedication of eight brand new tennis courts at Harvard Park in Los Angeles. The $300,000 investment was made possible by a partnership between the United States Tennis Association Foundation, the City of Los Angeles and Parks, and the Pete Brown Junior Tennis Program.

“It means a lot because, honestly, I’ve been here my whole life practicing on these courts and seeing them brand new and hitting them and letting other people enjoy it,” said Tory Bailey, a college player who grew up playing at Harvard Park.

There was music, food, court activities and a special guest appearance by professional tennis player Frances Tiafoe, also known as Big Foe. Tiafoe said he supports the USTA Foundation’s goal of expanding tennis access to under-resourced communities around the country. He said such rehabilitated fields even help the playing field.

“I’m a byproduct of that,” Tiafoe said. “I had the opportunity and the good fortune to get them, and hopefully there will be a lot of Frances Tiafos coming up here.”

The USTA Foundation’s National Court Renovation Program is expected to provide $3.3 million in funding over the next three years across the country. The goal is to renovate 250 courts in under-resourced communities.

“Coming out to the community and seeing them invest in the community, but more than investing in the people and kids in the community, that’s an inspiration to me,” said Lashawnn Jones, a former tennis player and parent of one of the young tennis players in the program. “It tells me that each generation builds and recognizes the value that this community has to offer on many levels.”

The Harvard Park tennis courts are open to the public.

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