New tennis courts come up aces

SANDUSKY — Sandusky's government officially opened its new six-court outdoor tennis complex on Monday, Aug. 11, marking the culmination of a multi-year planning, funding and construction effort. The celebration took place just before the first scheduled match on the new courts between the St. Mary Central Catholic High School and Sandusky High School girls' tennis teams. Dick Brady, a city commissioner and the local government's ex officio mayor, welcomed guests and thanked the many partners who helped bring the project to life. Longtime Sandusky tennis coach and Sandusky Recreation board member Bernie Seiler then delivered the ceremonial first serve following the ribbon cutting. "These courts are the result of strong partnerships and a shared vision for recreation in Sandusky," city manager John Orzech said. "They'll serve athletes, students and residents for years to come, and I'm proud of the teamwork that made this possible." A community effort The complex — located at 1706 Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4), next to the site of the future Sandusky Recreation Center — was designed by Schmid Architects and constructed by Erie Blacktop. It features six asphalt courts, new fencing, drainage, and U.S. Tennis Association-compliant blended striping for both standard and youth play. "We are incredibly proud to partner with the city of Sandusky, the Sandusky Education Foundation and Sandusky Central Catholic School on this transformative project," Sandusky Schools superintendent Dennis Muratori said. "These new courts will not only provide a state-of-the-art competitive venue for our students but also a valuable recreational space for the entire community," Muratori said. "This is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together for the benefit of our city." The complex will serve as home courts for Sandusky City Schools and Sandusky Central Catholic tennis teams under separate 10-year licensing agreements. When not in use by the schools, the courts are open to the public. Making sense of the dollars and cents Funding came from multiple public, private and philanthropic sources. The project totaled about $797,000, breaking down with: • $477,000 from the Sandusky Education Foundation, which includes a $200,000 contribution from Sandusky Schools • $200,000 from the U.S. Tennis Association • $50,400 from the city government's capital projects fund • $40,000 from Sandusky Central Catholic School • $30,000 through in-kind donations from SportsMaster Sport Surfaces for paint and materials With the $200,000 contribution, this marks the association's largest-ever grant for a single project in its history. The significant funding was made possible by the expansion of the association's Tennis Venue Services grant program this year, earmarking $10 million to support tennis infrastructure in order to meet the increasing demand for tennis courts as tennis participation continues to rise nationwide. The $200,000 grant is the maximum funding available as part of the expanded Tennis Venue Services grant program and matches the association's largest investment in a single project in the history of the program. The grant program is designed to enhance existing tennis venues and construct new ones in order to provide increased playing opportunities in communities across the country. Since 2005, the association has awarded more than $19 million in grants. Last year, association grants impacted more than 500 courts across 60-plus communities. "We are committed to supporting the enhancement and construction of tennis facilities in communities across the country," said Theodore Loehrke, managing director of section partnerships for the association. "Investing in the development of tennis facilities nationwide helps support the (association's) mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere." Speaking up Many local officials and community members spoke about Sandusky's new tennis courts and the advantages it brings for people, especially area youth playing the sport. This would include: • Tessa Steinemann, the education foundation's treasurer: We are incredibly proud and excited to see the new tennis courts become a reality. This project has been a major fundraising effort for our foundation over the past year, and we are deeply grateful to all of our community foundations and individual donors whose generosity made it possible. These courts will be a wonderful asset for the city, Sandusky City School and St. Mary's Central Catholic for many years to come, and I hope to see you out enjoying them this summer. • Ryan Wikel, president of Sandusky Central Catholic School: "After years of competing on uneven, aging courts, we are beyond thrilled to see our Panther girls and boys tennis teams step onto this beautiful new surface. The student-athletes and coaches of Sandusky Central Catholic School deserve a place that matches their talent and dedication. We are deeply grateful to the city of Sandusky for this partnership and excited to share these courts with the wonderful Sandusky High School team and our incredible downtown community. This is more than a home court: It's a symbol of growth, teamwork and pride for all of us in this city and at Sandusky Central Catholic School. Looking ahead The tennis complex is part of a larger vision for the Hayes Avenue site, which will also include the new Sandusky Recreation Center in the coming years. The city expects the courts to be a hub for youth, school, and recreational play as well as for lessons, tournaments, and community events. Editor's note: As of today, it's unknown exactly what could happen to the aging tennis courts at Sandusky High School, where the Blue Streaks played, and at Battery Park, where St. Mary's played. People can learn more by visiting cityofsandusky.com or calling 419-627-5895.