Newly renovated St. Mary Park’s courts named after tennis icon Venus Williams

Venus Williams runs through drills with young tennis players from CityParks Tennis on the newly renovated courts at St. Mary’s Park on Aug. 9, 2023.

Photo Demetria Osei-Tutu

Tennis, Lacoste and the Bronx are not words one usually hears together. But the City Parks Foundation and Lacoste are trying to change that with the newly renovated tennis courts at St. Mary’s Park on East 146th Street and St. Ann’s Avenue.

On Aug. 9, the City Parks Foundation (CPF) and Lacoste held a grand reveal of the two tennis courts there with Venus Williams — who has served as Lacoste’s global ambassador since 2022. The newly renovated courts are named after the tennis star and decorated with pink silhouettes of her as well as the signature Lacoste alligator.

The unveiling began with a dance performance from an all-girls dance troupe called The Haus NYC. Williams, 43, made her grand entrance through the group’s dance number to Jennifer Lopez’s “Lets Get Loud.”

Decked out in pink and white Lacoste, pink ombré hair to match, Williams delivered remarks thanking everyone, especially Lacoste for the honor.

“These courts (at St. Mary’s) are the same kind of courts I grew up on, playing tennis and having big dreams,” said Williams. “I am so happy for everyone of all ages to be exposed to this sport.”

Growing up in Compton, California, Venus Williams and her sister Serena — trained by their controversial father —  took the tennis world by storm. They were distinguishable by their prowess, athleticism and being unapologetically Black in a sport long-dominated by her white counterparts.

Williams started her professional career in 1994. Her accomplishments boast seven majors — five at Wimbledon and two at the U.S Open.

Now Williams is giving back. Before the clinic, young players from CityParks Tennis’ Lacoste Tennis Academy and their Beginner’s Tennis Program, Lacoste’s Deputy CEO Catherine Spindler, CPF’s Chair of the Board…