With the myriad of options communities have to apply LWCF funding toward, it is no surprise that Tennis is taking center stage for several cities and towns. As an intergenerational activity, tennis is appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. It provides an excellent opportunity for exercise, developing cardiovascular strength, muscle and core development, balance, and flexibility all in one activity.
The four tennis courts at Central Park in Billings, MT were in such bad shape, Billings Parks and Recreation closed them in 2018. The closure forced the community to move their high school tennis program or and shift other tennis activities to shift to other facilities. But thanks in part to funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, those tennis courts are rebuilt. To stand up to Montana weather, the courts are post-tension concrete, costing about $500,000 to refinish. Half of that money came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The courts were opened in 2020.
In Aug of 2020 a $250,000 LWCF grant was announced to the Woodford County Fiscal Court for tennis court reconstruction at Woodford County Park. Prior to their reconstruction, the courts were unusable due to age and regular wear and tear. The county used the funding to make critical renovations to correct deep cracks, dead spots and dislodged, crooked posts in order to make the courts operational once again. The grant was part of a larger project, which included the removal of fences, milling and rebuilding the courts and adding ADA compliant sidewalks, gates, and viewer-friendly fencing. The courts reopened in late August of 2021.
In April of 2021, the Eddyville KY City Council also announced receipt of a $50K Land and Water Conservation Fund grant toward the $100,280 estimate to renovate its tennis courts. The grant was applied for by Eddyville Police Chief Jaime Green, who has been awarded more than $1 million in grants during her 20-year tenure at the Eddyville Police Department.
Finally, in October of 2021, the NC Division of Parks and Recreation announced a $500,000 LWCF grant to provide new and expanded tennis courts, dedicated pickleball courts, a renovated outdoor basketball court, new picnic shelters, an NFL/Ultimate Ninja Warrior-style challenge course, and a fitness court at the Civitan Park in Kernersville. Matching funds for the project came from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant, and several donations and sponsorships, said Ernie Pages, Kernersville’s Parks and Recreation Department director.
Congratulations to these communities for their dedication to providing multigenerational experiences like tennis to their residents.
