Support the Courts: New Tennis Courts in Minneapolis
Tennis, Basketball Courts Installed in Three ParksNew courts replace decades-old courts at Powderhorn, Pershing and Webber Parks
Construction has begun on new tennis and basketball courts at Powderhorn, Pershing and Webber Parks. Five tennis courts are being replaced at Webber Park and four are being replaced at Pershing Park. At Powderhorn Park, five tennis courts are being installed where four courts sat on the west side of the park previously; two additional tennis courts located on the north side of the park are slated for removal. In addition to the tennis courts, one existing basketball court will be replaced at each park. Demolition and construction will continue through the fall so long as weather conditions allow, with construction resuming in spring 2008. Courts are expected to open in spring 2008, weather and construction schedules permitting.
The new tennis courts will replace the existing courts installed in the 1970s. Due to their age and deterioration, the existing courts were no longer maintainable to adequate playing conditions. Court design and materials will minimize the amount of maintenance, prolong the lifespan of the courts and reduce the drying time of the surface following precipitation. Once completed, the new facilities will provide high-quality playing space for both the community and members of tennis teams at South, Southwest and Patrick Henry High Schools.
Replacement of the tennis courts is in accordance with the on-going project of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) to assess the quantity, condition and location of its public tennis facilities. The goals of this project are to ensure the provision of quality recreational tennis facilities for the public at a quantity that the MPRB can effectively maintain.
Full funding for this project is provided by Support the Courts, a non-profit organization dedicated to upgrading public tennis facilities in Minneapolis. More information on Support the Courts is available at www.supportthecourts.net.
