Berkeley Heights Tennis Association Launches to Support Local Courts and Grow the Sport Community-Wide

Berkeley Heights has a new nonprofit focused on bringing tennis to town and building community through the sport. The Berkeley Heights Tennis Association (BHTA), officially registered as a New Jersey 501(c)(3), just launched with an ambitious mission: expand tennis for children, adults, and families while restoring the tennis courts at Governor Livingston High School.

Sheryl Manfreda, a longtime resident and tennis instructor, is leading the effort. "I believe in the community. I want children to learn and grow," Manfreda said. "What I really love is having the current Governor Livingston high school tennis team players volunteering with us to teach the next generation of children who can grow in the sport and become future Highlanders."

The organization is entirely volunteer-driven, with no staff salaries. All proceeds go directly back into the mission. BHTA has already begun running free community tennis events and lessons for young children at the YMCA in Berkeley Heights. Manfreda spent the summer completing a feasibility assessment for the high school court restoration and establishing BHTA as an official USTA Community Tennis Association with the United States Tennis Association.

The court restoration project at Governor Livingston High School is estimated to cost $500,000. Manfreda is exploring grant opportunities through the USTA Tennis Venue Services Program, which offers up to $150,000 in funding for complex projects. She is also building relationships with tennis programs across the region in Murray Hill, Mountainside, and Chatham to strengthen connections and share resources.

For Union County Life readers, BHTA represents the kind of grassroots effort that can reshape a community. Tennis offers a pathway for young players to grow, for families to stay active together, and for volunteers to build something meaningful. Free programs are already available.

Over the coming months, the association plans to announce more community events, program details, and progress updates on the court restoration project.

FAQ

Q: What is the Berkeley Heights Tennis Association?

A: The Berkeley Heights Tennis Association (BHTA) is a newly launched nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and growing tennis in Berkeley Heights. It is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and operates on a volunteer basis with no paid staff.

Q: Who founded the Berkeley Heights Tennis Association?

A: Sheryl Manfreda, a longtime Berkeley Heights resident and tennis instructor, is spearheading the new organization. She worked over the summer to complete feasibility assessments and establish the organization as an official USTA Community Tennis Association.

Q: What programs does BHTA offer right now?

A: The organization is currently running free community tennis events and lessons for young children at the YMCA in Berkeley Heights. More programs are planned as the organization expands.

Q: What is BHTA's main long-term goal?

A: The primary goal is to restore and upgrade the tennis courts at Governor Livingston High School to serve both the high school teams and the broader community. The estimated cost is $500,000.

Q: How is BHTA funding the court restoration project?

A: The organization is exploring grant opportunities through the USTA Tennis Venue Services Program, which offers up to $150,000 in funding for high-complexity projects. Additional fundraising and community support will be needed to reach the full $500,000 goal.

Q: How can residents get involved?

A: Residents interested in tennis can participate in free community programs at the YMCA in Berkeley Heights. BHTA welcomes volunteers and community supporters. More details about programs and ways to get involved will be announced in the coming months.