USTA to Return Parcels of Land to New York City

The United States Tennis Association has announced it has reached an agreement to return to New York City a portion of its currently leased Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (NTC) land in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in exchange for the parkland it proposes to add as part of its improvement plan for the NTC. The USTA will surrender 1.56 acres of parkland in return for 0.68 acres of parkland, the latter being mostly an existing asphalt road.

"At the outset of the project, the City suggested that park improvements would result in a more meaningful degree of public benefit than an in-kind replacement for the 0.68 acres that is proposed for alienation. However, understanding that every inch of parkland is precious and after seeking input and recommendations from the local Queens communities and elected officials, the USTA, in consultation with the Parks Department, decided it was in the best interest of all parties to propose a parkland swap,” said Daniel Zausner, COO of the National Tennis Center.

The replacement parkland, which is two parcels totaling 1.56 acres, and is more than double the land it will replace, is located east of David Dinkins Circle. The parcels include 0.75 acres of passive open space accessible to any member of the public and 0.81 acres of space for active recreation containing five tennis courts.

“We are pleased that the USTA has agreed to replace parkland,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras, who represents Corona and Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home to the USTA. “It is the right thing to do. Our community has too little green space and losing even an inch would be felt by the working people who depend on Flushing Meadows Corona Park. As the City Council begins to consider this proposal, we are ready to work with the USTA to address our community’s other major concerns.”

The two parcels were added to the NTC lease in 1993 and would be returned to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for recreational use under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The NTC lease would also be amended, so these parcels would not be part of the premises. The USTA would maintain and repair the five courts, at it has done in the past, and would have usage during the US Open and, possibly, other major tennis events.

“This is a positive step by the USTA and the Parks Department,” said NYS Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, who represents Corona. “I look forward to continued progress on this important project.”

The USTA’s Strategic Vision, which calls for the least amount of additional parkland possible, 0.68 acres, will ensure the NTC remains a top public recreational facility and world class spectator venue and also continues being an economic catalyst for Queens and the City of New York.

Since 1978, the USTA has invested more than $500 million of its own funds into the NTC, and this project, which will primarily entail the replacement and renovation of aging facilities and infrastructures that have reached the end of their useful lives, will require the USTA to add an additional $500 million to its original investment.

“The Parks Department is proud to host the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the largest public tennis facility in the United States, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park,” said Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White. “Throughout the year the USTA helps sponsor countless hours of free and discounted programs for children, teaching them the great game of tennis and the health benefits of an active lifestyle.”