CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Parks and Recreation Department will host a free USTA play event this Sunday, March 6, in celebration of World Tennis Day, which encourages young players and families to try tennis.

The event will take place from 7 to 8 a.m., at Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Drive.

During the month of March, the USTA will invite families and kids of all ages and skill levels to try tennis at local events and facilities across the country – encouraging them to get on the court and in the game.

“World Tennis Day inspires communities nationwide to get involved in the sport,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief executive, Community Tennis. “These efforts are part of the USTA’s long-standing commitment to encourage and inspire healthy and active lifestyles among youth.”

World Tennis Day on March 8 serves as a kickoff for youth and family events held throughout the month.

World Tennis Day is held in conjunction with the BNP Paribas Showdown at New York’s Madison Square Garden, this year featuring 21-time Grand Slam singles champion and one of the greatest female players of all-time, Serena Williams, taking on close friend and former No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki.

Also featured will be current No. 4 men’s player Stan Wawrinka squaring off with French star Gael Monfils.

Since 2009, the USTA has leveraged World Tennis Day to launch thousands of annual youth events that provide a platform for facilities to register children for spring and summer tennis programs.

In 2015, more than 50,000 young players participated in the youth events held in March, each designed to showcase how fun and easy it is for families to get into the sport of tennis.

Tennis is an easy and exciting way to get active – all while having fun as a family. With the game now using kid-friendly equipment, it is easier than ever for parents to get their kids playing tennis.

To learn more, please visit www.youthtennis.com .