Light Up McCarren – Help Us Reach the Finish Line!

Hi Friends, Neighbors, and Tennis Lovers,

We’re the McCarren Tennis Association Corp (MTAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to equity, access, and community at the public tennis courts of McCarren Park in North Brooklyn.

Our courts are the heart of our neighborhood — a place where friendships form, skills grow, and neighbors come together. But right now, limited lighting restricts access, cutting short the hours available to kids, adults, seniors, and working families alike.

Why We Need Your Help

• Growing Demand: Participation in our Summer Ladder League has doubled to over 300 players — and continues to grow.

• Limited Lighting: Currently, only 3 out of 7 courts have lights, severely limiting evening and shoulder-season play.

• Expanding Access: New LED lights will allow hundreds more hours of playtime in early spring and late fall, and extend community access into the evenings.

• Equity for All: This project ensures that all players — regardless of age, background, or income — have safe, extended access to their public courts.

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Project Status: We’re Already 33% of the Way There!

• Goal: $240,000 (to install 8 permanent LED lights)

• Raised So Far: $78,654.39

• Remaining: $161,345.61

Thanks to the incredible support of our community and partners, we’ve already raised one-third of our total goal!

In addition:

• USTA Eastern Foundation Grant: $100,000 (pending final board approval)

• USTA National Facility Grant: $60,000 approved (reimbursable)

• New York State Capital Funding (via Senator Kristen Gonzalez’s Office): $200,000 application submitted (reimbursable)

Important Note:

The USTA National Grant and New York State Capital Grant are reimbursable — meaning MTAC must first raise and spend the money on the lighting installation before being reimbursed. Your donations today directly enable us to move forward and unlock these larger funding sources.

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About MTAC

• Founded in 2009 to protect and enhance public access to McCarren Park’s public tennis courts.

• Partnered with NYC Parks, USTA, and dedicated community volunteers for major improvements.

• Host of community events: Summer Ladder League, Fall Doubles Tournament, social mixers, and support for youth programs like the City Parks Foundation’s free kids clinics.

• Official NYC Parks Adopt-A-Park partner for McCarren Tennis.

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How You Can Help

• Donate: Every contribution — big or small — gets us closer to lighting up all 7 courts!

• Share: Spread the word through social media, emails, group chats, and on the courts!

• Sponsor: If you’re a local business or organization passionate about community wellness and equity, reach out to partner with us!

Together, we can Light Up McCarren and open our courts to all — safely, equitably, and for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this journey!

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The McCarren Tennis Association Corp Team