The story of The Coop City Tennis Program goes far back into the early 1980's when tennis players were seeking desirable locations where they could find their tennis enjoyment. Coop City had a small tennis area consisting of four asphalt tennis courts where the players needed to bring their own nets in order to play.

When Milton Alexander moved to Coop City, the courts were poorly managed and failed to attract more than a few tennis diehards. Even Milton had difficulty finding a game. So in order to draw more players, he decided to run an adult tournament. The response was overwhelming. Soon Milton was running a series of tournaments and leagues that helped build the tennis interest in the Coop City location.

In 1983, Milton founded The Coop City Tennis Club. Although the club was originally promoted for adults, he recognized its potential to provide local youngsters a wonderful way to develop their interest in the game of Tennis. Milton ran his adult tournaments from 1983 through 1996, but he began focusing on the need and importance of serving the youth in the community. Over the years, Milton and Lorraine Alexander teamed up to help realize that vision. In 1996, Lorraine received the Eastern Tennis Association Volunteer of the Year award.

Coop Citys association with the New York Junior Tennis League started in 1985 when the league was looking for suitable community tennis locations and qualified coaches who would develop an expanding market of free youth tennis programs. The league recognized that Milton had the experience, drive and commitment to develop tennis players and Milton realized the benefits of linking up with the NYJLT; a strong, growing organization. That cooperative relationship has endured over the last 20 years and Coop City is considered one of the models of positive coaching and urban tennis programming.

The courts have been resurfaced with deco-turf, thanks largely to financing provided by the Bronx Borough Presidents office. It is now officially designated as a Tennis Welcome Center, joining more than 3,000 facilities across the country that offers participants an easy opportunity to learn to play the game through an affordable, introductory program. Source Allan Shweky and Coop City Times.