Omaha Clay Courts Association Awarded

To honor their 100th anniversary in 2020, the USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing 100 deserving recipients with the Gold Star Award. This award recognizes contributions that recipients have made in growing the game of tennis in their community. The Omaha Clay Courts Association is this month’s recipient. 

If you’ve ever played on clay tennis courts, you know the benefits: it’s easier on your joints, players can slide into shots and balls bounce differently than on a hard court and more. If you haven’t, it’s something you can try at Dewey Park in Omaha.

“I’m not as beat up after playing, I notice this when I play on hard courts and realize how much more tired I feel,” said Gary Carlson. “Clay changes the game, the bounce is different, the footing is different and points are longer. Also ball marks (usually) eliminate any doubt about line calls.”

Carlson is the president of the Omaha Clay Courts at Dewey Park. It consists of three clay courts that have been around since 2002. 

There are approximately 200 members, who pay $150 a year for an individual membership, or $200 for a family membership. Guests can also play for a fee. Since clay courts require more maintenance, members are expected to chip in.

“On a daily basis that means sweeping away ball marks and footprints,” Carlson said. “Our players sweep the courts after they play.”

Carlson said the major maintenance work is setting up the courts each spring.  The old clay is removed, and a couple tons of new clay is spread out on each court then swept smooth, and rolled to compact it until balls bounce consistently.  Then, new lines must be put down again. Carlson said we’re fortunate to have these types of courts in the heartland.