About CORTA

CORTA Board President, Sue Goldman

Mission Statement

To promote and develop the growth of tennis.

Core Values

CORTA is committed to the promotion, growth and development of tennis as an enjoyable lifetime sport that contributes to good health, character and responsible citizenship

CORTA invites all people to play, watch, support, or enjoy the game of tennis at its events, programs, and membership through participation, volunteerism, or leadership on a non-discriminatory basis.

CORTA’s mission can best be achieved through the efforts of volunteers, staff, City of Columbus, private and community partners committed to excellence and working a a team.

Maintaining fiscal responsibility, promoting the financial well-being of CORTA, and the evaluation of progress toward the achievement of strategic priorities are indispensable to the successful accomplishment of the mission.

Strategic Priorities

Ensure member satisfaction through excellent customer service, program support, and effective communication.
Increase CORTA and USTA membership through increased participation in tennis programs and events.
Generate sufficient revenue and manage assets to allow for growth while ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization.
Continues to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion.
Continue to develop and foster external partnerships to promote the growth of tennis.
Continue to address the needs of area tennis facilities.
Continue to develop and foster outreach partnerships to promote the growth of tennis and address the needs of under-resourced and at-risk players.

CORTA History Timeline

1952

The Columbus Tennis Patrons was founded to raise funds to build a 12 court tennis facility at Cooper Creek Park.

1990

After laying dormant for decades, the organization reorganized in 1990 with the help of Columbus Parks & Rec Department

1993

The Columbus Patrons become the Columbus Regional Tennis Association and raise funds to add 8 lower courts and a clubhouse to Cooper Creek Tennis Center.

1999

CORTA ($1.2 million) along with the city of Columbus ($600,000) raise funds to add 10 additional courts including a championship court and an additional clubhouse to Cooper Creek and build arguably the premier public clay court facility in the United States.

2001

CORTA receives USTA Georgia’s “CTA of the Year” award.
CORTA receives the USTA Southern “Member Organization of the Year” award.
Cooper Creek Tennis Center receives “Outstanding Facility Award” by USTA Georgia as well as the USTA.

2002

CORTA receives the very prestigious “Member Organization of the Year” award from the USTA.

2008

CORTA hosts tennis legends Pete Sampras and Todd Martin in the “Serving Up Aces” Exhibition at Columbus Civic Center. With over 3,600 tickets distributed, this event was awarded “Special Tennis Event of the Year ” by USTA Southern.

2010

CORTA along with the City of Columbus partnered to refurbish the 30 courts at Cooper Creek Tennis Center.
CORTA purchases 7.98 acres adjacent to Cooper Creek Park.

2016

CORTA along with the City of Columbus and Columbus State University open an addition to Cooper Creek Tennis Center with 12 hard courts, 9 rubico courts, 4 60″ courts and a building to house the CORTA office and CSU Tennis Program.

2017

Cooper Creek Tennis Center wins the USTA’s “Outstanding Tennis Facility” award as well as Tennis Industry Magazine‘s “Municipal Facility of the Year.”
CORTA Junior Coordinator, Deby Caldwell receives the “Janet Louer Junior Team Tennis Organizer of the Year” award from the USTA.
CORTA wins “CTA of the Year” by the USTA.
The City of Columbus proclaims November 7, 2017 “CORTA Day.”