Mississippi’s Northeast Park Tennis Center chosen as US Open Family Day host

"You haven't seen anything yet!"

So says Peter Mazzella, Director of Tennis for Northeast Park Tennis Center in Meridian, Miss.

The Northeast Park Tennis Center is one of six tennis facilities nationwide to host a first-ever US Open Family Day on Sunday, Aug. 24. On-court activies will run from 2:30-5:00 p.m. and the Watch Party is set for 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The Asheville (N.C.) Tennis Association has also been tabbed to host a Family Day, making two facilities in USTA Southern.

What should tennis players in Meridian expect?

"What we envision is a day of fun tennis and family-oriented games and drills," explained Mazella, who has led the team at Northeast Park since 2020. "It will include a US Open watch party inside and outside with food, live music and face painting.

"This is the biggest honor for me personally and for everyone at the facility."

The USTA is providing $3,000 to each facility. USTA Southern is increasing its support with an additional $1,000.

Award winners

Northeast Park has previously won the USTA Mississippi Adaptive Tennis Award for its work with special needs players and had the first registered Adaptive Tennis Program in Mississippi with “Roll and Run.” Mazzella was named 2022 USTA Mississippi Coach of the Year and in 2024 earned the USPTA (now RSPA) Industry Excellence Award for his work in Meridian.

Mazzella also gives a huge "thank you" to all the volunteers at the tennis center.

"You can tell we take pride in what we do for the community. This is about the volunteers who make our facility look pretty and promote the growth of tennis. There is no way I could do this myself. Thanks to Donna Hand, who helps keep the grounds looking beautiful. Toni Jackson is the master organizer. Bruce Clauson does all the ‘behind the scenes’ work."

Led by Jackson, Northeast Park hosts a variety of tennis programs, including high school and college matches. Area high schools include West, Southeast and Northeast Lauderdale, Clarkdale and Lamar School. It also showcases regional tournaments, USTA League play, several USTA-sanctioned tournaments and an Adaptive Tennis program.

Community college matches

Mazzella says a highlight each fall and spring is that Meridian Community College has used the 10-court Northeast Park for home matches for the last decade. The facility regularly hosts National Tennis Month, Open Tennis Fest and Red Ball Tennis events that are open to the public. Mazella has served as head coach of the Newton County Academy boys’ and girls’ tennis teams in Meridian for nearly two decades.

Mazzella started at Northeast Park in 2020, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he knew this facility and community has potential because he sensed the community's energy to improve programs.

"Energy snowballs and others follow," stated Mazzella.

Mazzella said that the mixers and competitive play are our most popular events, US Open Family Day will create more energy and interest in tennis. He believes there is nothing better than a fun competition.

"Everyone is trying to win, but you hear more laughing than anything. You haven't seen anything yet!"