Experts in This Article
She knew Palmer Park was the place to go.
They just took me under their wing, King says.
It just sort of happened.
Its really cool to know that you could bring people together, King says.
Theyre supportive of each other, says King.
King knew she, and the neighborhood, couldnt lose the park, so they took action.
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Me and a couple of the tennis players got together and we had a protest, King says.
Ive tried to make it economically accessible because tennis is still a very expensive sport, King explains.
It requires equipment and travel all over the country (and world) to play in tournaments.
Billie Jean Kingmy idol when I was growing up playing tennisgave me the award, King says.
But this success story that exemplifies how tennis builds community was by no means a given.
Palmer Park and its tennis facilities were built when the parks surrounding neighborhood was predominantly white.
But the work, and the investment, have paid off.
Today, the Palmer Park courts are a true community hub.
In addition to playing and traveling together, Academy members do cultural activities and outings around the city.
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The Academy provides a support system, and allows players to help increase representation in the sport.
Theyre just kids, so they can be real competitive, King says.
We are all this one big community, and I really want them to embrace that.
You establish lifelong friends in this game.
We need this public space, King says.
Otherwise, it just wouldnt have happened.
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