A New Era for Towpath Tennis Center

The new structure will boast 10,000 square feet that will include new locker rooms, an updated pro shop and most importantly, space for spectators and players to come together. In addition, the clubhouse will implement green practices that will ensure a reduction of energy costs. It will also be completely handicap accessible.

“We have worked on this facility and designed it with the idea that people can enjoy playing while other people watch…and unlike buildings built 25 or 30 years again where you have a barn and you really can’t see very far, we’ve made it so people can get very close to the courts and not interfere with play,” said Aleman. “It’s designed to put people together, so we can’t wait to use it in that way.”

Towpath has always been a strong advocate for growing the game of tennis, and staff have seen the break from tennis as an opportunity to connect once again with the community around them.

“It’s very nice as employees when you’re sitting at home, seeing a clubhouse go up while there is no business coming in,” said Orlando. “It’s been very good for us, and I feel like we have a little edge other people don’t have because we have this building and a lot of good morale has been because of it.”

Throughout the stay-at-home orders, Towpath staff and owners have stayed in contact with their members through social media to remind them that the pause is not permanent.

“We wanted them [members] to know what our attitude was, and our attitude was positive,” said Aleman. “I have this phrase that I use many times over, and sometimes I have to knock my head to follow it.

“It’s basically, ‘find the good, praise the good and do good.’ We just all tried to remain positive about things.”

That positivity has been felt throughout the community, and eager tennis players have been showing their support in masses. Though there have been setbacks, the new Towpath clubhouse is set to officially open before December of 2020.

It has been a long time coming, but the construction of the new clubhouse has created a sense of excitement that was very much needed in an uncertain time. As players slowly return to tennis, Orlando and the Alemans vow to remain a force of good in their community for the growth of the sport.

“We’re excited to help grow the game of tennis,” said Nancy Aleman. “It’s not just filling Towpath’s courts, but we want to grow the game over time.

“Dallas and Katie have always been like that…it’s been wanting to grow the game of tennis totally.”