On Saturday, April 27th, 2024, the Denver Tennis Park (DTP) welcomed community members and partners to the 3rd Annual DTP Community Fest, a vibrant gathering filled with connection, collaboration, and fun. Community Fest serves as a testament to the power of community, showcasing the diverse talents and spirit of unity within the DTP family.
DTP Board Member Rocío Portela-Berríos kicked off the event with a warm welcome for everyone in attendance, setting a tone of inclusivity and camaraderie for the day ahead.
Guided by our passionate DTP tennis instructors and supported by the 2024 Summit League Champions University of Denver Women’s Tennis team, youth players eagerly took to the courts for fun games, their laughter and enthusiasm filling the air on a rainy afternoon.
The heart of the event unfolded with captivating performances that showcased the talent and diversity within our community. Sisters Sona and Tashi Sherpa, two DTP youth players, captivated the audience with their talents: 11 year-old Sona performed the national anthem and a moving song, and 8 year-old Tashi performed a dazzling cultural dance.
Guests were also treated to a special performance by the Colorado CommUNITY Elite Drill Team, a dance drill group dedicated to empowering young girls to learn discipline and independence. Each girl proudly shared her identity and career aspirations, leaving a profound impact on all who witnessed their strength and determination through art.
"As a parent, I appreciated all the efforts the DTP did to create community and the entertainment offered," shared Joy Muratsuchi, who attended the event with her two daughters, Jojo and Julia, both youth players in our community programs. She reflected on how inspirational the entertainment was, encouraging kids to be the best version of themselves and to pursue a life outside of tennis. The performances also showed how the kids were individuals while also being part of a community. “That’s what all parents want for their kids – a family outside of their family.”
We were honored to have the following DTP community partners in attendance to engage with the DTP Community and share their missions:
KCF uses the power of music to heal and inspire youth from marginalized populations, hosting various events and programs focusing on health, wellness, and youth violence prevention. DJ Ktone, the nonprofit’s founder and executive director, was in attendance as our honorary DJ and kept the jams playing all afternoon long!
USTA Colorado promotes and develops the growth of tennis in Colorado, believing tennis is always open for everyone of all ages, in all zip codes, all across the state. A close partner of the DTP, we work together to provide programming, equipment, and learning opportunities for individuals and families across the Denver-metro area.
The Confluence Center is a media/visual arts hub at McGlone Academy, providing an inclusive and safe space for students to express their creativity and strengthen community identity and advocacy for Montbello. Students have access to professional recording equipment, a technology classroom, library, and an art studio that allows them to work with local resident artists to tell their narratives and build the Montbello community through media.
Reflecting on the event, Sonia Schwartz, DTP Community Outreach Manager, emphasized the transformative power of connection and collaboration. “[Community Fest] has become an incredible event to get together and share resources, and it’s still evolving!” In its third year, Community Fest has become a spring staple at the DTP that is more than just a day of tennis – it is a celebration of belonging and possibility, and a reminder of our commitment to nurturing a community where all are welcome, supported, and empowered to thrive.
The Denver Tennis Park would like to thank the community members and partners who attended Community Fest, and extend a special thank you to the staff, Community Advisory Council, and countless volunteers who made the event possible!
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