The Henryetta tennis courts on Main Street have a new name.
Saturday morning, before some 100 former tennis players, tennis fans and family members, the courts were named the "Dr. Carlton E. Smith Tennis Complex."
That was announced in a resolution ready by Mayor Jennifer Clason as part of the dedication. Praising the Henryetta Tennis Association for the work, she said the tennis courts, "have always been special, to have this is amazing." 
She said Dr. Smith was the legend in how the courts began. He has also been inducted into the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame. Clason pointed out Dr. Smith had been named Henryettan of the Year and was the "driving force" behind tennis and the summer tennis program spanning some three decades. She cited some 2,000 youngsters had been involved in the summer tennis program.
An emotional Linda Smith, daughter of the longtime physician, said she was touched by the honor and, "I know dad would be very proud."
The dedication marked the end of the first phase of work at the courts. Over $250,000 was spent giving the cracked and broken playing courts a new surface as well as new fencing and back board.
Stan Swyden, one of the association members who was involved in the renovation project, praised the Henryetta Lions Club for backing the summer program. "The Lions Club has done so much for the summer tennis program." He said the civic club took over sponsorship of the program after Dr. Smith died in 1982.
That summer program provides free tennis lessons for youngsters, many of whom have gone on to become champions in the sport as well as make it part of their professional lives.
Swyden recognized some of the families and individuals who have worked on the project. One of those cited was Mark Miligan who was a state high school champion and retired tennis coach, Johnny Truesdale, also another tennis coach, James and Connie McCullough both graduates from HHS and the couple who have donated both land and time and effort to the project. "They have been part of the Henryetta Tennis Association for over 20 years."
Singled out for some special praise was former HHS coach Mike Kennedy. Swyden points out he was recruited by Dr. Smith to come to Henryetta as high school coach some 50 years ago. "He has been so revitalized by this project, he's a kid again," Swyden said.
Another one of the driving forces of the project, Mark Johnson, was recognized. Swyden pointed out the 1979 HHS grad was a two-time state champion as well as nationally-ranked and NCAA All-American and retired from the University of Oklahoma. "He spent countless hours driving from his home in Norman to meet with the city.
Johnson, the unofficial chairman of the group, said the project was the perfect model of citizens and city leaders working together to do something special. Saturday was the culmination of three years of fundraising, planning and construction.
Last summer the tennis courts saw a four-inch post-tension concrete surface laid that was painted and resurfaced. "Basically everything we have out here night now is brand new," he said.
James McCullough pointed out there are still two more phases ahead.
The next step will be construction of a covered pavilion on the east side of the courts as well as a rest room facility.
He said the dirt work has already started on the project. "This facility we hope will become more than just a tennis complex. It will become a family gathering place or picnics and more."
He pointed out the association wants to see this as the catalyst for more development on West Main Street.
As part of the dedication ceremonies, the Henryetta chamber of commerce members were on hand to hold a ribbon cutting.
Also new to the tennis courts were four metal benches honoring the people and organizations who have been part of the Henryetta tennis history.
Photos from the dedication:
