RCTA Hosts Walkathon to Raise Environmental Awareness

October 30, 2013 | By Dave Suskin

The Riverside Clay Tennis Association (RCTA) and Riverside Park Conservancy encouraged New York City residents to be part of the green revolution this past Saturday by staging a fundraising walk and tennis party in support of the Green Outlook initiative, a precedent-setting, sustainable development project along the Hudson River Greenway adjacent to the RCTA public courts at 96th Street.

Underscoring the RCTA’s long standing commitment to the community and stewardship of city park land, the $6 million Green Outlook capital campaign seeks to transform an abandoned parking lot just south of the RCTA’s red clay courts into a beautifully landscaped Hudson River overlook with a wildflower meadow, sustainable park maintenance building, and carbon-neutral public restroom.

Rallying under the campaign’s Give to Go slogan, tennis and parks enthusiasts were on hand to show support for the cause, kicking off the day’s events with a 2K and 5K walkathon at the future Green Outlook site along the Hudson River Greenway bike and walking path at 95th Street. The festivities continued at the RCTA courts with a tennis carnival for kids 10 and under featuring the new QuickStart format, live music by members of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band and a giant dish of paella prepared by local chef Paul Vella. RCTA and Riverside Park Conservancy representatives were also on hand to discuss the Green Outlook mission along with planned community outreach efforts that will include environmental education initiatives in conjunction with local area schools.

“We are really encouraged by the turnout and continued support of the public, local government entities and our many private sector partners as we move closer to making Green Outlook a reality,” said Mark McIntrye, RCTA’s executive director. “With a full commitment to sustainable design, the project will provide significant enhancements to the communities’ beloved red clay tennis courts, while contributing a beautiful rest stop for bikers, runners, strollers, tennis players and neighbors alike.”

The RCTA and Riverside Park Conservancy intend for Green Outlook to serve as a model for future park improvements and environmentally sound development. The entire complex will be carbon-neutral and employ the latest green technologies, including solar power, recycled materials, gray-water remediation, on-site waste treatment and use, and storm water management.

Following successful completion of an RCTA-funded feasibility study in February 2011, the community tennis association has since raised over $200,000 toward the project, with NYC Council Member Gale Brewer committing an additional $1.2 million. With total development and construction costs estimated at $5.5 million, the RCTA and Riverside Park Conservancy led coalition plans to raise $4 million from public sources and $1.5 million from individuals and institutions.

For over 25 years the RCTA has maintained Manhattan’s only public red clay tennis courts near 96th Street in Riverside Park, one of NYC's eight officially designated scenic landmark Parks. To learn more about the RCTA and to support the Green Outlook campaign, visit www.rcta.info or www.greenoutlook.info.

Credit photos to Eser Atilla