In 2025, USTA Florida’s Tennis Management portfolio continued to elevate the standard for public tennis across the state. The four facilities under management made important strides in programming, community outreach, competitive opportunities, and long-term facility planning. From landmark investments to creative player experiences, this year showcased the depth and diversity of public tennis in Florida. The Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach, Riverside Racquet Complex, Play Tennis Gainesville, and the City of Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center each contributed to expanding access and strengthening the presence of tennis in their communities.
Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach
The Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach stood out as one of the year’s most significant success stories. The City of Cocoa Beach approved a major investment exceeding one million dollars to improve the facility, including court resurfacing, updated lighting, and broader infrastructure enhancements. This commitment, paired with the extension of USTA Florida’s management agreement through 2035, signaled a shared vision for a modernized, sustainable, and community driven public tennis hub.
The project is especially meaningful given the wear and storm impacts the facility experienced in previous years. Once completed, these upgrades are expected to restore the site to premier public facility status and enhance player experience for years to come. Throughout the year, regular programming continued without interruption, including lessons, clinics, and league play, ensuring players remained engaged while the community looked ahead to the improvements. The approval of this renovation stands as one of the most impactful developments across USTA Florida’s facility network this year.
Riverside Racquet Complex
Riverside Racquet Complex delivered a dynamic and community centered 2025. The facility hosted United States Tennis Association junior competition through a Green Ball Circuit event for ten and under players, offering development focused match play in a supportive setting. Riverside also continued its tradition of innovation with a Glow in the Dark tennis event, which brought players together for an exciting and social nighttime experience.
Programming remained strong throughout the year with adult classes, junior pathways, private lessons, and consistent recreational opportunities. The blend of competitive structure and creative social tennis reflected the facility’s commitment to engaging a wide spectrum of players and building a vibrant tennis culture in Vero Beach.
Play Tennis Gainesville
Play Tennis Gainesville demonstrated significant community impact through both daily programming and special outreach events. In partnership with the Greater North Central Florida Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the program hosted a large youth engagement day that welcomed more than thirty children to the courts. Participants enjoyed instruction, games, and an introduction to tennis fundamentals, supported by a charitable donation effort connected to the event.
Across Gainesville’s multiple park-based tennis locations, the program continued offering a diverse blend of adult and junior clinics, lessons, league play, and social events. XGLOsive tennis nights remained a highlight, drawing new and returning players to an interactive blacklight tennis experience. This emphasis on accessibility and creativity helped strengthen participation and deepen community connection throughout the year.
City of Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center
The City of Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center closed the year with steady programming and consistent service to local players. While no publicly announced facility renovations or court improvements surfaced during 2025, the center remained a reliable home for tennis in the region. Youth engagement continued through the return of the popular summer camp series for ages 5 through 13, offering full day and half day options focused on tennis instruction and on court activities.
Photo Courtesy: AJ Borromeo
The City of Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center also welcomed new leadership this year, introducing Kara Borromeo as the new Director of Tennis and Zephyr Brokaw as the Events Coordinator, bringing fresh energy and direction to its expanding programming.
The facility continued to provide valuable access, instruction, and community offerings that support the city’s growing sports environment. The Tennis Center remains positioned to serve as a key recreational asset as future planning evolves.
Strengthening the Future of Public Tennis Across Florida
The year also showcased the growing influence of USTA Florida’s Advocacy Fellowship Program, which continued to strengthen the connection between facilities and emerging leaders across the state. Fellows collaborated directly with Tennis Management sites to gather data, understand local needs, and help elevate the visibility of public tennis. Their work supported key priorities such as facility advocacy, storytelling, and community relationship building, giving each location a stronger platform to highlight its impact. By creating structured pathways for future leaders to engage with the operations and challenges of public facilities, the Fellowship Program added another meaningful layer to USTA Florida’s long term strategy for sustainable growth and statewide tennis development.
The achievements across these four USTA Florida managed facilities underline a year defined by progress, investment, and meaningful community engagement. Cocoa Beach’s historic renovation approval set the stage for a revitalized complex. Riverside Racquet Complex continued to innovate with tournaments and social events. Play Tennis Gainesville expanded its footprint through impactful youth outreach and consistent programming. Fort Walton Beach delivered dependable services and strong youth engagement.
Together, these facilities reflect USTA Florida’s commitment to providing high quality, accessible, and community centered tennis opportunities across the state. As the year comes to an end, each location stands poised to build on its momentum and contribute to a bright future for public tennis in Florida.
