PP&R Partners with USTA Pacific Northwest to Preserve Portland Tennis Center and Expand Community Tennis

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(Portland, Oregon) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is entering into a long-term partnership with United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest (USTA PNW), a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the game of tennis, to preserve the Portland Tennis Center (PTC), expand public tennis programming, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of City-owned tennis facilities.

The partnership comes as PP&R faces nearly $750 million in unfunded capital maintenance needs across Portland's parks and recreation system. Without appropriate resources to maintain the system, PP&R has had to close or remove aging park assets, including pools, playground equipment, picnic shelters, bridges, lighting infrastructure, and other public facilities. Portland Tennis Center faces similar challenges as its aging roof and other critical building systems continue to deteriorate.

Under the agreement, the City will retain ownership of the Portland Tennis Center while USTA PNW assumes day-to-day operations through a long-term lease. A companion license agreement will allow USTA PNW to provide programming at select City-owned outdoor tennis courts, connecting neighborhood courts with the indoor tennis facility.

USTA PNW will make an initial investment of approximately $2.3 million to repair and improve Portland Tennis Center, including the indoor building's roof and ceiling liner, tennis dome and HVAC system, generator, energy-efficient LED lighting, and modern on-court and off-court technology.

Portland Tennis Center will remain open through August 31. The facility will close September 1 to allow USTA PNW to complete improvements and prepare for the transition in operations. The center will be closed for approximately 16 to 20 weeks for Phase 1 of this important revitalization. More information about the closure and reopening will be posted on the Portland Tennis Center webpage.

USTA PNW will also assume responsibility for routine maintenance and day-to-day operations, helping ensure the facility remains safe, functional, and welcoming. The City will continue to own the facility and remain responsible for major capital maintenance outside the scope of the agreement.

"This partnership is about preserving a public asset and ensuring it continues serving Portlanders for generations to come," said Interim Portland Parks & Recreation Director Art Pearce. "We simply do not have the resources to address every major maintenance need across Portland's parks system. By partnering with a nonprofit organization that shares our commitment to public access, we're able to keep Portland Tennis Center publicly owned, make long-overdue facility improvements, expand opportunities to play, and preserve resources for parks and recreation services throughout Portland."

The agreement is expected to reduce PP&R's annual net operating costs by approximately $779,000. Those savings will help preserve park and recreation services while reducing pressure on the bureau's operating budget.

Expanding access to tennis remains a central goal of the partnership. USTA PNW has committed to maintaining generally the same operating hours at Portland Tennis Center, providing complimentary membership through its inaugural year to everyone in the Portland community, maintaining affordable and transparent pricing, offering need-based scholarships and free loaner equipment, and conducting outreach intended to increase participation among underserved communities.

"Tennis has the power to transform lives, bring people together, improve health and strengthen communities," said Matthew Warren, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of USTA Pacific Northwest. "We are proud to partner with Portland Parks & Recreation to preserve and invest in the rich legacy of Portland Tennis Center as a publicly accessible community asset and to expand tennis play opportunities for future generations."

As the transition moves forward, USTA PNW will host community open houses and conversations with the tennis community, neighbors, and the broader public. These meetings will give Portlanders opportunities to ask questions and learn more about future programming and access at Portland Tennis Center and participating outdoor courts.

"Strong partnerships create strong communities," said China Kirk, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Executive Director of USTA Pacific Northwest. "We are honored to build on the Portland Tennis Center legacy, expand play opportunities, and serve players and families for generations to come."

The agreement includes annual reporting requirements that will allow the City to monitor financial performance, programming, and accessibility commitments throughout the partnership.

PP&R recognizes that this transition will affect employees who currently work at Portland Tennis Center. The bureau is working through the required labor processes with represented employees and unions. USTA PNW has committed to providing current Tennis Center employees with first-round interviews for positions with the organization.

By combining the City's continued ownership of its public tennis facilities with USTA PNW's operational expertise, programming experience, and capital investment, the partnership provides a sustainable path to preserve Portland Tennis Center, strengthen neighborhood tennis opportunities, and expand access to the sport.

Additional information, including frequently asked questions about the partnership, public access, programming, staffing, and the transition process, will be available on the Portland Parks & Recreation website and on USTA PNW website.

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