The United States Tennis Association last week announced, through its USTA Facility Assistance Program, that it has awarded a grant in the amount of $20,000 to the city of Euclid.
The grant will be used for the reconstruction of five existing 78-foot tennis courts, complete with blended 36- and 60-foot tennis playing lines, new net posts, fencing and access improvements at Memorial Park, according to a USTA news release. The USTA Facility Assistance Program aims to support and provide communities access to safe, appealing and functional tennis environments.
The project’s total cost, $400,000, is paid for through several sources in addition to the grant, including Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding for the demolition portion of the project, and proceeds from the sale of the city’s cell tower lease.
Funds from that sale were earmarked for capital improvements to Memorial Park, the city confirmed.
The complex is scheduled to be completed by June.
“The replacement of the tennis courts was first identified through the Memorial Park Master Plan,” said Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail. “The tennis courts had become unsafe and unsightly, so we are thrilled to be able to rebuild them and add pickleball (courts) to our recreation offerings. We appreciate the assistance from USTA both in terms of funding and expertise in design and programming.”
Since 2005, the USTA has awarded more than $12 million through Facility Assistance Program grants to support tennis facility enhancements, renovations and new construction projects. In total, the USTA Facilities Assistance Program has built more than 39,000 tennis courts across the United States.
“We are committed to continually enhancing and building tennis facilities in communities across the country,” said Virgil Christian, senior director, market and facility development, USTA. “By investing in the development of tennis facilities nationwide, the USTA provides for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to play and enjoy the benefits of our great game.”
In addition, grant recipients receive technical assistance, the release stated. The USTA Facility Assistance Program provides experience in tennis court and facility construction from concept plans to professional construction document review.
The Euclid Recreation Department made contact with the USTA in December 2016, inquiring about a facility grant opportunity, said Maria Palmisano, program administrator.
“A tennis court reconstruction project has been on Euclid Recreation’s horizon for a long time. Both residents and tennis enthusiasts are excited, as the courts were nearly impossible to use in prior years, and people were sadly deterred from playing in any sort of capacity.
“The grant process was lengthy, as the USTA Engineer Team made changes and recommendations to the tennis court reconstruction plans before they would give approval and open the grant application to Euclid Recreation,” Palmisano added. “Although it took a long time, Euclid is pleased to have such a high level of expertise committed to this project.”
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