Greater Pottstown Tennis & Learning Brings New Life to Maple Street Park

Public parks play an important role in connecting people to programs while strengthening community connections.

This is clear at the Maple Street Park tennis courts in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where community connections are growing stronger thanks to a partnership between the local Parks and Recreation Department, Greater Pottstown Tennis & Learning (GPTL) and USTA Middle States.

The partnership with Pottstown Parks and Recreation has been key to GPTL’s growth. The organization holds an exclusive-use agreement for Maple Street Park’s tennis courts during programming hours, with access shared with the community outside of those times. Borough residents can request a court access code online, giving the general public flexible access while preserving the space for structured activities. 

For nearly two decades, GPTL has operated out of Maple Street Park, delivering year-round tennis programming and educational support to hundreds of players across the region.

In just the summer alone, GPTL hosts camps five days a week, along with its adaptive program, Racquet Stars, and adult and junior classes. The organization also partners with local schools and nonprofits like the YWCA to expand access, while also supporting school tennis teams and running free 10-and-under camps.

GPTL is part of the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, a USTA initiative that uses tennis as a way to teach important life skills like leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. The NJTL offers year-round programming to hundreds of local players, ranging from red ball beginners to high schoolers preparing for team competition.