South Sioux City tennis complex undergoes reconstruction with $210,000 in USTA grants

After years of playing on cracked, damaged courts, tennis players at South Sioux City High School are now able to enjoy playing on a solid, safe surface thanks in part to USTA Tennis Venue Services grant funding.

Originally installed in the 1970s, the tennis courts were redone in 2016. But they weren’t completed correctly, as cracks and gaps showed up within weeks.

“The cracks continued to get bigger and bigger, and they even were big enough to put your hand in them,” said Tammy Cahill-Lane, head coach of the girls’ tennis team. “We also had several low spots where the water collected. On two of the middle courts, we were unable to play doubles due to how close the fence was.”

Players spent time clearing water off the courts during their practices. When the courts also became unsafe, the school district knew something needed to be done. A settlement lawsuit allowed the school district to move forward with getting bids for the tennis facility facelift.

South Sioux City Community Schools received money from three different funding sources to reconstruct the courts, said Lance Swanson, director of communications and community engagement.

The settlement related to the faulty courts, district depreciation funds and the USTA Tennis Venue Services grant enabled the project to be completed.

USTA National contributed $200,000 in Tennis Venue Services funding to the project, while USTA Missouri Valley added an additional $10,000. A check presentation was held at the tennis complex on Sept. 18.

The six lighted courts were redone with a new playing surface and fencing was properly installed as well. The updated courts were ready shortly before the boys’ tennis season began in the fall.