A concerned citizens' group founded the RCTA in the early 1980s in order to protect the 10 public clay tennis courts in Riverside Park
at 97th Street along the Hudson River. After defeating New York City's plans
to pave over the neglected, deteriorating courts, the RCTA organized repair
and maintenance of the courts through volunteer efforts. In 1991, the
RCTA raised funds from its membership to resurface all 10 courts with
20 tons of red clay. Over 200 members put in weeks of backbreaking labor
in order to lay the foundations of the present facility.
Today these public courts are recognized for their world-class quality, and the RCTA is often cited as a model citizens group working with city government to preserve a cherished public asset.
Each year, the RCTA raises tens of thousands of dollars for materials, equipment, and staff. Maintaining red-clay courts is very labor-intensive, and though the City contributes some supplies and one full-time Park's Department employee, RCTA funds and membership efforts make up the difference. The organization itself pays the salaries of a full-time court manager, a head groundskeeper, and several part-time workers and enlists scores of volunteers to help with maintenance, staff the gate, organize fundraising events, assist with a junior program and direct tournaments, tennis ladders, and speed tennis events.
The RCTA has also taken responsibility for improving the area surrounding the courts. RCTA gardeners have landscaped the grounds with stunning flower beds, bushes and trees. Thanks to the gardening committee the adjacent areas have become a popular destination for visitors to the Riverside Park waterfront.
Beginning in 1997 the RCTA piloted a successful children's program, providing instruction and equipment for 35 needy children and that program has now expanded to embrace scores of other children on the Upper West Side who would otherwise have no access to tennis. The Riverside pro, Froi Silva, donates time he would have otherwise used for private lessons to introduce these kids to tennis even when the organization cannot find outside funding.
The funds raised for personnel and supplies and the efforts of volunteers over the past two decades years have transformed the courts from a neglected wasteland into a public showcase. During a typical season, more than 30,000 players utilize the courts. The RCTA stages 15 tournaments that attract hundreds of competitors from around the city.
The RCTA has expanded from being a caretaker of a city resource to an organization that effectively reaches out to involve the community.