Dozens of people bearing tennis and pickleball rackets descended on the newly refurbished tennis/pickleball courts at East Ridge High School during the “Grand Re-Opening” of the facility, Saturday morning.
It appears that the re-introduction of tennis in the city is an “ace,” as East Ridge City Councilman Mike Chauncey said he arrived a little after 9 a.m. and couldn’t get on a court.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve done,” Chauncey said as he watched players swarming the courts. “I think this is going to be a big hit.”
Last year the idea of refurbishing the decrepit tennis courts at the school became a topic of discussion for elected officials. Initially, the East Ridge City Council approved spending of up to $25,000 to refurbish two of the four courts which had fallen into disrepair more than a decade ago. Chauncey and Councilman Jacky Cagle pushed for all four courts to be restored.
Adam Wilson, the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he watched young and old racket sport enthusiasts enjoying the like-new courts.
Officials from the Chattanooga Tennis Association were on hand with information about tennis instruction for people of all ages. Coleen Davis, President of the Chattanooga Tennis Association, told East Ridge News Online, that she is hopeful the facility will be the spark that ignites the resurgence of the sport in East Ridge and spur interest in students and faculty at East Ridge High to once again field a varsity tennis team.
If you are interested in joining the Chattanooga Tennis Association’s Fall League, contact Renee at [email protected].
Wilson said he anticipates the demand for court time to be high. To reserve court time after the grand opening, contact Kim Gann at (423) 805-3111 or [email protected]. The East Ridge Tennis Courts are located on the campus of East Ridge High School at 4320 Bennett Rd.
