By NATE KING
Salina Post
A multi-year tennis project has come to fruition.
On Thursday Saline County tennis icons, city commissioners, current tennis players and members of the community gathered at the new Salina Tennis Alliance courts for a Salina Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony.
The 12 court facility,805 The Midway, in Kenwood Park, is on the same grounds as the previous Salina Municipal Swimming Pool and rodeo arena.
The ceremony took place at 5:30 p.m. and was attended by city officials including Commissioners Trent Davis, Bill Longbine, Greg Lenkiewicz and Salina City Manager Mike Schrage. USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline also attended.
Back in March the city commission passed a resolution to partner with USD 305 and Salina Tennis Alliance in order to build the $2.6 million facility.
Hutton Construction, along with Jones Gillan Renz Architecture in Salina, brought the vision and plan to life. The ribbon was ceremonial cut on the "Jean Boardman Court." Each of the 12 courts
Salina Tennis Alliance President Clark Renfro said a few words to those who attended to help celebrate the completion of the project.
"It has been a project and we've all been working on this for multiple years," Renfro said. "It's a result of really the tennis community coming together and folks here, as well as all around the area, to make this a reality. We are privileged to have a community that supports projects like this that works in a public private partnership."
So why 12 courts? That is the magic number needed to host state high school activities and regional tennis tournaments. Salina Central, South and Kansas Wesleyan have already agreed to host tournaments at the new facilities.
"Salina tennis is arguably one of the strongest tennis communities, not only Kansas, but in the Midwest," Renfro said. "The amount of participation here has only grown over the years, but this will be the spring board to take us even further and will allow tennis to grow not only in Salina, but in this region."
The Salina Tennis Alliance is composed of six members, including Renfro as president. The other five directors are Frank Hampton, Jason Ingermanson, Linda Johnson, Joel Phelps and Abbey Rupe.
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the tennis court named after Salina resident and avid tennis player, Jean Boardman. Boardman was the recipient of the 2021 Recreational Player of the Year Award presented by the United States Tennis Alliance.
Boardman said she didn't start playing tennis at a young age.
" I had to raise my kids first. So I didn't start until I was older, and I do everything wrong- except I like to win," Boardman said.
When asked how it felt to have one of the new courts named in her honor, Boardman, who moved to Salina with her husband 27 years ago, said she couldn't wait to see the name placards on the courts.
"It is so incredibly nice of them," Boardman said. "I will admit I snuck down to the courts prior to the ceremony to see them [name placards] it is so exciting."
Upcoming Tennis Events
Kids Clinics
Kids clinics are based on both age and skill level. We follow the USTA’s standards for development and use appropriate racquets, balls, nets, and courts for each age range to ensure an optimal learning experience for your child. Click on the clinic you are interested in to learn more and to register. If you are unsure what clinic to register for, please call us; we can help guide you!
Each session is four weeks long and is followed by a makeup week to account for any weather or instructor-related cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. A minimum of 3 people are required to sign up for a clinic in order to hold the class.
The following clinics meet for one hour, twice a week, and cost $70 per session. (Each session is 4 weeks long)
Ages 5-7 “Futures” (Red ball): Mondays & Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 pm
Ages 7-9 “Challengers” (Orange ball): Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-6:30 pm
Ages 9-11 “Masters” (Green ball): Mondays & Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm
Ages 12-17 Middle School/HS: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm
Adult Clinics
Adult clinics are based on skill level…and we have something for everyone! Whether you are picking up a racquet for the first time, or want to tune up your forehand- we have you covered. Never played before? Don’t be shy! We all have to start somewhere! All adult clinics meet for one hour on weekdays and one hour and a half on Saturday. Click on the clinic you are interested in to learn more and to register.
A minimum of 3 people are required to sign up for a clinic in order to hold the class.
“Adult Beginner”: This class is perfect for individuals that have very little or no experience playing tennis. Individuals will be introduced to the basic strokes, scoring and tennis vocabulary. This is a great introductory clinic to get started in this sport!
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm and $15
Saturdays 9:00-10:30 am and $20
“Adult Intermediate/Advanced”: Experienced tennis players will spend the first part of the class focusing on a certain stroke while the second half is focusing on doubles strategy and patterns of play. The ability to rally consistently is required.
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm and $15
Saturdays 10:30-12:00 pm and $20