Approaching 90, Richard Alston Remains the Heart
of El Dorado Park Tennis Center

Most people would consider it a blessing just to reach their 90s. For those who are lucky enough to be able to, the pace of life usually slows, as days are filled with quiet routines like watching TV, visiting with family, enjoying a meal, or taking a walk.

Richard Alston, however, isn’t like most people.

As Richard approaches that milestone—he’ll turn 90 this September—he is still working, and not just a little. These days, he clocks in about 30 hours a week over four days, a lighter load compared to years past. He helps open and close the historic El Dorado Park Tennis Center in Long Beach, where he remains a vital part of the daily rhythm.

“It’s a combination of the people, the contacts, the opportunity to keep the shop going—working the reservation desk, stringing, putting grips on the racquets—all of it keeps me coming back,” Richard said. “I love it.”

Richard’s connection to the facility spans more than two decades. Cathy Jacobson, former Exclusive Operator at El Dorado and now USTA SoCal’s Manager of Special Projects, recalls first meeting him over 25 years ago, always involved at the Center, whether he was playing tennis in the early mornings or assisting wherever he could. 

“Richard was always fixing things around the facility such as nets, hoses, squeegees, leaf blowers, ball machines, stringing machines, and almost anything that needed attention,” shared Cathy. “He loved keeping busy and hanging around the center and talking to the players. I constantly asked why he wouldn’t let me hire him and pay him for all the work he was already doing. It took some convincing—he saw it as a pleasure.”

Eventually after many months had passed and Cathy had a need for a new staff member, she knew exactly who to call. Officially bringing Richard onto the staff in the early 2000s, it didn’t take long for him to work up to a 40 hour work week, even while he was in his mid-60s. Even now, he maintains a schedule most people half his age would shy away from. 

On a typical Thursday night at El Dorado Park Tennis Center, Richard is still on his feet at 9:30 p.m., checking the tennis courts, wiping down counters, and making sure every racquet is strung and ready for the next day. By 6:30 a.m. the following morning, he’s already back, unlocking the doors before the sun rises over the Long Beach sky, after commuting all the way from Montebello. 

These days, Richard manages the front desk, assists with repairs, and is perhaps best known for the number of racquets he strings on a daily basis.

“Working with Richard has always been such a joy for me and he holds a special place in my heart,” added Cathy. “He is such a hard worker and cares so much about El Dorado Park Tennis Center. He treats all the customers with great service, is always smiling, and is one of the nicest people that I know. He has never missed a day of work in all his time at the facility and will always do whatever is needed when asked.”

Though originally from southern Alabama, near Mobile, Richard has spent the majority of his life in California. His family moved to the West Coast when he was a teenager, following his father, who came out first to find work.

At 23, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served two years of active duty, assigned to a base inspection team at Fort Riley located in north-eastern Kansas. After his service, he returned to civilian life, working a variety of jobs from assembly line work at the Ford Motor Company’s Pico Rivera plant in Los Angeles, to a role in the oil industry, to more than a decade in banking.

While tennis now plays a predominant role in Richard’s life, it was not always that way. Though his older brother played tennis when they were young, Richard did not engage in the sport until he was an adult. Having played sports like softball, golf, and volleyball, Richard took to tennis as another way to remain competitive while being active. Beginning in his 40s, Richard would go on to play tennis recreationally and in local Adult Leagues for more than 20 years at places such as El Dorado, the Lakewood Tennis Center, and many high schools in the Long Beach area.

“Richard was equally passionate and focused during his past playing years, often seen bringing the same level of discipline and strategy to the tennis court, where his one-handed backhand and signature slice serve set him apart,” shared Albert Mendez, a longtime friend and frequent member at El Dorado. “This was to the point that I had added the slice serve into my game for fun!” 

Though he no longer plays due to worn cartilage in both knees, his passion for the game and the community around it hasn’t faded, and is apparent throughout his dedication to his work. 

Concerning retirement, Richard has no plans on leaving El Dorado any time soon. 

“I like working as it keeps me busy and gives me the opportunity to be active rather than laying back at home. It’s almost like an exercise,” Richard mentioned. “While I’m not competing anymore, I still love being around the sport—watching people grow, connecting with them every day. The legacy I want to leave is that I was a caring person who helped make this club a success.”

Everyone who plays at El Dorado knows Richard, and most would agree he’s a one-of-a-kind presence. A local legend, he’s known not only for his warm, easygoing presence, but also for his uncanny ability to fix just about anything.

“Richard can truly fix anything with old and used parts and is so clever in doing so. The ideas that he’s come up with to make things work are so inventive,” Cathy said. “Anyone that knows him, loves him.”

Mitch Bridge, Concessionaire and General Manager of both the Billie Jean King Center and El Dorado Park Tennis Center, as well as CEO of the Southern California Tennis Academy (SCTA), echoes that sentiment, having worked closely with Richard for years and witnessed his dedication firsthand.

“Richard is the heartbeat of El Dorado Tennis Center. He has been here for 20 years and everyone loves him,” Mitch stated. “At almost 90 years old, he is still stringing away and going strong. Richard knows pretty much every customer who walks through the door and can work his way around a tennis racket like nobody’s business. We are lucky to have such a hardworking and knowledgeable guy like Richard behind our front desk.”

Among the many who admire Richard’s impact, Albert Mendez describes him as the kind of teammate and person everyone wishes they had.

“Richard is known for his exceptional work ethic, strong communication skills, and unwavering integrity. With a natural ability to troubleshoot and a hands-on approach, he brings valuable skills as a capable handyman and team contributor. His presence enhances any team both professionally and personally, all while helping to foster a positive work environment through consistent support, reliability, and a welcoming attitude toward everyone he encounters,” Albert added. “He has been an awesome friend of mine at the El Dorado Tennis Center for over 20 years, to which I am very grateful.”