lions tennis checkNow that the Dr. Carlton Smith tennis courts are completed, the Henryetta Tennis Association is planning to complete the second phase of work.
Association member Mike Kennedy received a $5,000 check from the Henryetta Lions Club this week that will be used to help pay for the cost of a new 48 by 24 foot covered pavilion as well as a 20 by 24 foot concrete block bathroom and new sidewalk along the north side of the courts.
Kennedy said the construction would be on the east side of the tennis courts.
Speaking to the Henryetta Lions Club, Kennedy pointed out the summer tennis program continues to be successful. Nearly 100 children and teenagers are participating this year. He congratulated the Lions Club for being a part of the program for over 50 years.
Funding for the initial resurfacing of the courts as well as planned future improvements have been primarily from private donations. Kennedy said a number of former tennis players, now living in other towns, have donated $1,000 and more toward the project.tennis pavilion
In addition, the Henryetta Economic Development Authority and Tulsa Tennis Association has donated funds.
"This will further the excellence of tennis in Henryetta," he said. "We have the opportunity to become known as one of the best facilities int he state." Work at the tennis courts last year resulted in the first-ever 4A boys and girls regional tennis tournament to be held here. Kennedy said that brought in over 100 families to watch the tournament and who spent money in restaurants and gas stations.
Work on the phase two project is expected to start at the end of the current summer tennis program and be completed by Labor Day.