HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Mayor Tommy Battle and City officials served up a unique celebration to begin a planned expansion of the Huntsville Tennis Center. Tennis rackets replaced the traditional groundbreaking shovels and officials instead marked the occasion by launching tennis balls into the air.
The ceremony spotlighted the Tennis Center’s popularity, which is expanding to meet growing demand for court time.
“Improving quality of life for our residents is the driving motivation in everything we do,” Mayor Battle said. “The Huntsville Tennis Center is a tremendous asset, and we are excited to see this project started.”
The expansion will include building 10 hard courts with lighting and converting six existing hard courts to clay courts. The project also includes a small restroom pavilion to support the courts, additional parking, sidewalks, landscaping and irrigation.
“The Tennis Center is booked to capacity several nights each week,” Tennis Center Director Joc Simmons said. “We have about 35,000 sign-ins each year and that doesn’t include tournaments, junior events, camps, special events and other activities throughout the year. Given that heavy demand, this expansion is greatly needed.”
The City Council in June approved a $4,639,000 construction contract with Chorba Contracting Corporation for the project.
“The Council is elated to join the administration in supporting this project,” said Council Member Bill Kling, whose district includes the Tennis Center. “Tennis has long been a favorite activity in Huntsville and it’s great exercise for all ages.”
Construction is expected to take about 16 months. When complete, the Tennis Center will offer 36 soft courts and 10 hard courts for local and tournament play.
“John Hunt Park is the centerpiece of the Huntsville recreation scene, and the Tennis Center is a big part of that,” Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett said. “This investment will greatly enhance tennis opportunities and attract more players to Huntsville.”