For Tari Ann Toro-Steinmetz, Recreation Supervisor at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex, the power of play comes from creating opportunities for people to stay active, build friendships, and experience the joy of tennis at every stage of life. After more than 15 years with the City, Tari Ann helps oversee one of Wilmington’s most popular recreational facilities, managing daily operations, programs, tournaments, and community events that bring players of all ages, abilities, and skill levels together. With a background in coaching and a lifelong passion for tennis, Tari Ann enjoys the opportunity to share the sport she loves while helping others discover the confidence, connection, and enjoyment that come with playing.
A Passion for Tennis and Teaching
Before joining the City, Tari Ann coached tennis at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After moving to Wilmington, she saw an opportunity to continue sharing her passion for the sport when she found the opening at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex. In her role as Recreation Supervisor, Tari Ann manages the daily operations of the facility, including court reservations, concessions, tournaments, and programming. For Tari Ann, the most rewarding part of the job is watching people learn, grow, and connect through tennis. “I love teaching tennis to all ages,” Tari Ann said. “I love seeing the spark in their eye when they finally get a stroke down right. I love seeing the friendships they form. I love seeing them come out here every day playing doubles, getting involved in different ladders or tournaments or leagues. I love seeing the joy that tennis brings them.”
Creating Opportunities for Everyone
The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex is designed for players of all backgrounds and experience levels. With 24 courts, the facility is the largest public tennis facility east of I-95 in North Carolina and offers programming throughout the year for youth, adults, seniors, and adaptive athletes.
Some of the many ways the community can get involved include:
- Free senior men’s doubles drop-in play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Free senior women’s doubles drop-in play on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Adaptive tennis clinics for players of all ages and abilities
- Wheelchair tennis clinics
- Youth programs like Little Aces and Hot Shots for ages 5–13
- Beginner adult clinics and doubles play opportunities
One of Tari Ann’s proudest moments has been being awarded over $300,000 dollars in grant funding over the years to assist with improvement projects at Empie Park including the resurfacing of tennis courts and adaptive surfacing and play components for the playground.
The Work Behind the Scenes
While players may see the matches, tournaments, and programming happening on the courts, there is a lot of work behind the scenes to keep the facility running. Tari Ann works with staff and community partners to coordinate events, maintain operations, and create opportunities for people to get involved with tennis. The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex also hosts major events, including the NC Tennis Combo State Championships, which the facility has hosted for more than 12 years. The tournament brings players and visitors from across the region to Wilmington and highlights the complex as a premier tennis destination. Tari Ann takes pride in knowing that the facility has become a place where players want to gather. “The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex is a gem for the City,” Tari Ann said. “Everyone loves playing here.”
Building Community Through Partnerships
Some of Tari Ann's most meaningful work has come through partnerships with organizations like the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association, Wilmington Seagulls Tennis Association, and the YMCA. Through these partnerships, the complex helped launch Healthy Kids Day, a free community event focused on outdoor play, healthy living, and wellness. The event has grown into a major annual gathering, welcoming around 2,000 participants each year. For Tari Ann, these partnerships show the impact that recreation can have beyond the courts.
The Power of Play
As Parks & Recreation Month celebrates the Power of Play, Tari Ann knows firsthand how important recreation is for people of all ages. “Play is crucial,” Tari Ann said. “It reduces stress, brings joy, and develops friendships and social bonds.” Whether someone is learning their first tennis stroke, competing in a tournament, or simply enjoying time with friends, Tari Ann believes tennis creates opportunities for connection and well-being. From the first serve to the final point, Tari Ann helps make sure the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex remains a place where everyone feels welcome.
Thank you, Tari Ann, for sharing your passion for tennis and helping create opportunities for the community to experience the power of play through Wilmington Parks & Recreation.