Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa Secures $500,000 for Restoration of Fort Washington Park’s Tennis Courts

Riverside Park Conservancy | November 1, 2024

Fort Washington Park’s ten public tennis courts are situated along one of the most scenic spots on the Hudson River, immediately south of the George Washington Bridge and the Little Red Lighthouse. With only one other public tennis facility in all of Northern Manhattan, these courts are a vital resource for the community.

A Need for Restoration 

Years of deferred maintenance have led to major cracks in the surface of the tennis courts, creating trip hazards and impeding play. Council Member Carmen De La Rosa saw this need and, alongside partners at Riverside Park Conservancy and NYC Parks, worked to secure $500,000 in FY25 Capital Funding for NYC Parks to resurface and restore the courts to good condition as well as replace the broken drinking fountain. 

Current conditions at the 172nd Street Tennis Courts impede play.

“Restoring the 172nd Street tennis courts is an investment in our neighborhood’s health and well-being,” said Merritt Birnbaum, the Conservancy’s President & CEO. “Tennis is proven to extend life expectancy, increase happiness, and decrease stress. We’re grateful to Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa for ensuring that this beautiful facility is returned to its full potential to serve the community.” 

“We are so lucky to be able to have amazing parks Uptown,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa in a post on X. “All they need is a little TLC. Thank you Commissioner [Tricia] Shimamura and Riverside Park Conservancy for all of your partnership!” 

Looking Ahead to Expanded Opportunities on the Courts 

Riverside Park Conservancy runs a multi-sport summer camp that offers tennis instruction at this location. The Conservancy also operates the concession that offers tennis lessons and programming for all ages. 

The repairs will be a game-changer for the tennis community in Northern Manhattan and will enable the Conservancy to provide a high-quality experience for the public. 

“We are very excited about what the future holds at the Fort Washington Tennis Courts,” said JT Silberstein, Executive Director of the Riverside Clay Tennis Association. “This funding will revitalize the courts and give a much better experience for all ages. Well-maintained tennis courts and expanded programming will help encourage healthy lifestyles and give the community a better avenue to be active and connect with one another.” 

As part of the event celebrating the securement of capital funding, Council Member De La Rosa joined the Conservancy at a free tennis clinic we offered for local kids and adults, taught by the Conservancy’s head instructor at the Fort Washington Courts, Gilbert Butcher. Gilbert has been teaching at and taking care of the Fort Washington Tennis Courts for over 15 years. With this new funding, we are looking forward to expanding our free and low-cost tennis programming for the community at the renovated facilities. 

About Riverside Park Conservancy

From 59th Street to 181st Street, from riverfront to city-side, Riverside Park Conservancy cares for and enhances six miles of parkland for present and future generations. Working together with the New York City Parks Department, we make improvements as diverse as the park itself and the city it serves.