Iowa Communities Introduce Tennis Programs For First Time

A number of Iowa communities have recently received USTA Serving Up Tennis Grants to start up tennis programs in their areas. The town of Solon, Iowa, has had tennis courts for years, but no formal programs. With this grant, they can now introduce residents to the basics of tennis and get more use out of their courts.

“Our goal is to provide a fun and educational program where participants will have the opportunity to learn and grow their skills,” said Dylan Sloan, Recreation Director.  “We would like to get the program established and grow the number of participants and opportunities as we run the program each year.”

The town of Ely is in a similar situation, with tennis courts and no formal programs. They hope to start their tennis program this fall, and make it a permanent option for residents.

“Our goal for bringing a tennis program to Ely is to introduce the sport to those who have not played before and to give the opportunity to be involved and try something new to area youth who might not have had the chance to otherwise,” said Callie Stulz-O'Brien, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We plan to achieve this goal by creating a fun and inclusive program where children of any to no prior experience can feel welcomed and included. The program would start with the basics with the hopes of capturing their interest after the first day.”

The community of Altoona is also receiving a Serving Up grant, and teaming up with Lifetime Fitness in West Des Moines.