Fort Worth Receives USTA Texas Grant To Build New Tennis Courts

{fshare id=3461}

The United States Tennis Association Texas section announces that the City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services Department received a $5,300 USTA Facility Grant for the construction of two new youth-sized tennis courts – permanent 36′ courts at the Southwest Community Center.

Through its facilities assistance arm, the USTA has succeeded in the construction and renovation of more than 5,000 youth-sized tennis courts since 2011 throughout the nation. As part of this initiative, all courts that are built or renovated are specially lined to enable participation of the 10 and Under Tennis play format. The 10 and Under Tennis initiative is geared toward getting more children to participate in tennis using modified equipment and courts tailored to a child’s size. By featuring shorter and lighter racquets, slower-bouncing balls, smaller courts and simplified scoring, children learn to play more quickly and easily while having more fun in the process.

“The USTA recognizes the importance of quality public tennis facilities for the growth and success of our sport,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “The City of Fort Worth Parks & Community Services Department is helping to ensure that great tennis facilities and programs are available in Fort Worth.”

The USTA allocated over $1.5 million through the Public Facility Funding Grant in 2012 to help support public tennis facility enhancements, renovations, and new construction projects. By investing in the rehabilitation and development of tennis facilities in the United States, the USTA believes these facilities not only will grow the sport, but provide venues for communities to gather and provide lifelong healthy activity through tennis.

“We wanted to build and have one of the first free public courts in Fort Worth,” said Adrienne Lacy, Community Center Supervisor at City of Fort Worth and a 10 and Under Outstanding Coach of the Year award winner in 2012. “We want the children to play tennis on their own right sized courts. The courts are open to the public to use but if they join the community center they can check out 10 and Under balls and racquets also.”

The Fort Worth Community Centers are very active with over 2,000 National Junior Tennis and Learning program participants, providing 10 Under training, hosting tennis Kids’ Clubs, Play Days and senior tennis clubs. They also work closely with the Fort Worth Tennis Association in hosting and promoting the development of lifelong healthy activities, education and tennis in the area.

Since 2005, the USTA has awarded the grants which will be used to support tennis facility enhancements, renovations and new construction projects to provide more and enhanced tennis venues for increased playing opportunities.

Other Texas facilities that have received USTA Facility Grants in the past include (2011) Wagon Wheel Tennis Center in Coppell; Southlake Tennis Center and the Kiest Park in Dallas; (2010) Lakes Tennis Academy in Frisco; (2009) Blythe Calfee Tennis Center in Willis; (2008) Arlington Tennis Center; (2007) El Paso Youth Tennis Center and the JoAnn Murphy Medlock Tennis Center in Tyler; (2006) and the Waco Regional Tennis Center.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares