Kossover Tennis Center upgrades pave way for facility to host national events
Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka is growing — literally. The facility recently added four new tennis courts and resurfaced its 18 original courts to allow for more public play, lessons, leagues and tournaments.
“The main goals behind the recent improvements at Kossover Tennis Center was to become a large enough facility to be able to host more national-level events,” said Alexis Czapinski, director of Kossover Tennis Center. “Kossover wishes to become a tennis destination by hosting as many tournaments as possible.”
Czapinski noted that in order to host higher-caliber tournaments, facilities must have at least 20 courts. Kossover now has 22.
“This opens the door to host L3s and above, college events and even professional tournaments,” she said.
In addition to resurfacing and building courts, several other improvements have taken place at the facility, including the addition of shade awnings, bleachers and more walkways between courts to allow for a better spectator experience. Existing court lighting was upgraded to brighter LEDs. With these lights also added to the new courts, the facility now has 13 lighted courts for night play.
The updates to Kossover didn’t stop there.
“All of the new scorecards were purchased for all of the courts, new fence dividers were added and a new PA system is currently being installed throughout the whole facility,” Czapinski said. “Lastly, a large TV was added to our clubhouse to display court reservations as well as events.”
More Courts, More Play
Of all the upgrades to the facility, Czapinski believes the addition of the four new courts will have the most impact on player experience.
“Kossover hosts 15-plus USTA/collegiate tournaments and 70-plus middle school and high school tournaments, including multiple regional and state tournaments throughout the year,” Czapinski said. “On top of this, league matches, instructional classes, private lessons and public court time are also hosted.
“With as much activity as we have going on, the four extra courts have made it convenient to fit everything that’s happening. More people than ever can play and participate, and even more tournaments can be hosted in the future.”
The addition of bleachers, shade awnings and more walkways between courts has improved the spectator experience at Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka.
New scorecards for all of the courts, fence dividers, a new PA system and a large TV to display court reservations are some of the upgrades at Kossover.
Kossover Tennis Center hosted the USTA Missouri Valley Adapted Tennis Championships and Fred Johnson ALL Stars on June 12-14.
The addition of four new tennis courts and resurfacing of the other 18 tennis courts has elevated Kossover Tennis Center.
- The addition of bleachers, shade awnings and more walkways between courts has improved the spectator experience at Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka.
- New scorecards for all of the courts, fence dividers, a new PA system and a large TV to display court reservations are some of the upgrades at Kossover.
- Kossover Tennis Center hosted the USTA Missouri Valley Adapted Tennis Championships and Fred Johnson ALL Stars on June 12-14.
- The addition of four new tennis courts and resurfacing of the other 18 tennis courts has elevated Kossover Tennis Center.
The updates haven’t all been solely for the players’ benefit. An elevated spectator experience, Czapinski mentioned, makes the facility more comfortable and welcoming to those cheering on their family or friends.
“Adding the walkway next to courts 3 and 6 is so helpful for parents and visitors to see matches — likewise with the walkway on courts 11 and 13,” Czapinski said. “Previously, spectators had to walk around the facility’s fence and sit outside in the grass. Now, they can stay within the facility and have a clear line of sight.
“This is the same case for the huge awnings added between the new courts and existing courts. With such a large facility, shade is limited. But now there is an awesome spot to view matches and get away from the sun.”
With help from Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, the Topeka Tennis Association, and Racquet and Paddle, Kossover has been elevated to a world-class tennis destination in the heart of Kansas. Racquet and Paddle has been the contracted operator of the facility the past three years. It added several tennis events to the facility, which led to the need for updates and expansion.
From there, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation gave $1.2 million to upgrade the courts. The Topeka Tennis Association purchased the PA system, scorecards, fence dividers and clubhouse TV. Czapinski shared that the TTA also contributes over $10,000 worth of scholarships to youth tennis players each year, giving kids the opportunity to play when they otherwise may not have access to the resources they need.
“When there’s so much time and financial investment, as well as diverse expertise coming to the table, it gives a fresh perspective to what Kossover Tennis Center can continue to evolve into,” Czapinski said. “All three organizations care deeply about the facility, and it shows with how Kossover stands today. It’s unique that there are so many people and organizations working together to improve tennis.
“There are only a handful of facilities in the Midwest as large and as updated as Kossover. When players and visitors step into the beautiful facility, it gets them excited to get out and play tennis, making Topeka a tennis destination within the Midwest.”
Welcoming Everyone
Kossover hosted the USTA Missouri Valley Adapted Tennis Championships and Fred Johnson ALL Stars last month, which brought adapted athletes from all over the section to play at the improved facility. Czapinski couldn’t be prouder to have hosted the events at the facility, noting it’s “a reminder that tennis genuinely is meant for everyone.”
“(Having) so many people within the community of all ages volunteer and come together to create an inclusive space was a special thing,” she said. “Tennis is a sport that is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what your life experience is. Everyone can enjoy it together.
“This is certainly a mission we want to promote at Kossover, and hosting events like these makes that a reality. The beautiful facility should be enjoyed and shared with everyone.”
Hosting incredible events is just the start of what should be a very bright future for Kossover Tennis Center and the city of Topeka.
“This is all just the beginning,” Czapinski said. “There is more work to be done. There is a ton of excitement around what lies in its future.”
Check out additional USTA Missouri Valley stories for Park and Recreation Month in July by clicking here.
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