County Executive and Parks Department Open Low-Vision Tennis Courts

Published on July 15, 2024

Courts at Boyce Park, North Park, Settlers Cabin, and South Park are now available for low-vision tennis players

PITTSBURGH – County Executive Sara Innamorato today announced the implementation of the first Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) tennis courts in the country at four Allegheny County Parks: Boyce, North, Settlers Cabin, and South Park. These innovative courts are designed to accommodate athletes with low vision as well as fully sighted players, promoting inclusivity in the community.

Low-vision or “sound ball” tennis is played on a slightly smaller court with a slower, foam, sound ball with a rattle inside of it. Players track the ball by sound, and, if they have partial vision, using the vision that they have. These newly lined courts enable athletes to walk on the court without bringing temporary tape lines each time.

"We are excited to make history by bringing the these first low-vision tennis courts in the United States to our spectacular Allegheny County parks,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “This initiative underscores our commitment to making recreational activities accessible to everyone in Allegheny County. When I talk about building a county for all, that means places people feel connected to their neighbors and communities and parks for everyone to enjoy, and this project really embodies that ethos."

A recent research study led by Jennifer K. Roth, PhD, professor of psychology at Carlow University, examined how blind or visually impaired athletes react to different sounds emitted by specialized tennis balls. Dr. Roth is also deeply involved with local and national tennis associations who are drawing attention to the sport and expanding access for low vision players.

“I was fortunate to speak with County Executive Innamorato during our Carlow Impact Series event about the idea of lining the first permanent blind and low vision tennis courts in the country,” said Dr. Roth. “Our athletes, coaches, and volunteers now are just as much of a priority as fully sighted players. We at the United States Blind Tennis Association are so grateful for this partnership to expand the sport, especially here in the Pittsburgh area. We’re thrilled that the first permanent courts in the country are now located right here in Allegheny County.”

The United States Blind Tennis Association (USBTA), based in Pittsburgh, is at the forefront of integrating Blind and Visually Impaired tennis into mainstream sports. Since its inception, USBTA has conducted trainings and introduced programming across multiple states, while also advancing the sport through ongoing research.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Communications Office.
For contact information, including email addresses and telephone numbers, visit the office website.