The Henryetta Tennis Association will be officially dedicating the Main Street Tennis Courts at 11 a.m.
Ceremonies will include ribbon cutting by the chamber of commerce officially opening the facility followed by special remarks by members of the association.The four courts were completely renovated this past summer with a new concrete base then painted and striped.
A new backboard was set in place as well as new fencing around the facility and a wind screen added.
New benches have been set between each court to allow players a place to sit during breaks in the game.
The last items to go up this week were signs honoring the families who have bee instrumental in keeping the tennis tradition alive. They include the Carter, Crawford and Johnson families as well as a sign over court 2 honoring Dr. Carlton E. Smith.
That was his preferred court location and, when he would come down to play, other players would relinquish their spots in respect.
Dr. Smith has been called, "the man who brought tennis to Henryetta," and has been inducted into the Oklahoma Tennis Association Hall of Fame.
He moved with his family to Henryetta over 75 years ago and was responsible for obtaining funding for the original four courts on West Main.
During the 1950s and 1960s, he organized the Labor Day tennis tournaments that brought in players from across the nation.
His lasting legacy is the summer tennis program.
Nearly 3,000 boys and girls have participated in that program with some going on to win state championships.
Mark Johnson, a state title holder and retired OU tennis coach, pointed out, "Dr. Smith made an amazing commitment to kids in Henryetta and the area."
A monument honoring Dr. Smith is prominently situated at the corner of the courts.
The entire project was financed primarily through private donations with the city adding some money to help in the renovation.
Still ahead for the Main Street courts will be construction of a covered pavilion and rest room facility on the east side of the court area.
