Bangor, ME: Where Tennis Meets Community

BANGOR, ME - Every week in Bangor, more than 70 kids and adults grab their brand-new Wilson racquets and balls and head to one of the busiest Tennis in the Parks programs in all of New England - a testament not only to the sport’s rising popularity but also to the dedicated leadership driving it. 

USTA New England partners with local parks and recreation departments to bring Tennis in the Parks to new and beginner players of all ages. With more than 80 sites throughout New England, Tennis in the Parks is growing the game by making it easy to try, fun to stick with, and rooted in local connection. 

“What’s made it special and what others can learn is that we can’t reach people without the rec departments or the coaches. We just need the right people who can reach the community.” said Eric Driscoll, Tennis in the Parks Manager for USTA New England.  

In Bangor, that person is Coach Cindi Howard. For Howard, tennis is not just about the love of the game, but also the love of connection. 

“I make it a priority to build personal relationships,” Howard said. “I love working with kids, but I really enjoy working with adults because you can connect on a different level. We’ve had great conversations, and I’ve developed real friendships with many of them.” 

The overwhelming demand in Bangor is no accident. It is a direct reflection of the kind of coaches Tennis in the Parks is built around. 

“We look for people who are patient, personable, and positive. They’re trained and given the resources and support to lead the programs, with the goal to give the players an excellent experience learning to play tennis," Driscoll said. “Coaches are selected less for their tennis resumes and more for their energy and outlook.”

That approach of empowering local leaders has been essential to Bangor’s success. 

“We customize and scale programs, and are careful not to offer any where we might compete with existing public park-based programs.” Driscoll said. “That flexibility means meeting each parks and rec department where they are. Aligning with their specific mission, offering cost-effective options, and letting them shape the program for their community are essential.”

Driscoll recognized this when Bangor was in desperate need of new tennis facilities two years ago. This allowed Howard to work her vision into the new courts, making it the perfect fit for Bangor specifically. Largely thanks to Howard and the city’s Tennis in the Parks program, the Bangor Parks and Rec Department won the Maine Tennis Association’s Park and Recreation Department of the Year in 2024.