Upgrades, recovery in motion in wake of tornado at Dwight Davis

Campaign on the Horizon

The Dwight Davis board doesn’t have all the details yet, but Kovacs believes the total cost of the damage will be more than $500,000. An insurance claim has been made to help cover some of the cost. For the necessary renovations to be completed, though, community assistance is needed.

A fundraising capital campaign for the public facility is being planned to help reignite—and relight—Dwight, with more details to come. Kovacs noted the capital fundraiser will be the first in at least 20 years for Dwight Davis and represents an opportunity for needed updates to the St. Louis tennis hub.

Dwight Davis features 39 lights posts on the 18 tennis courts and another eight lights on the stadium courts. With significant damage occurring to several posts and a desire for the lighting to be consistent in both function and appearance for tennis players, the Dwight Davis board views this as an opportunity to replace all the lighting simultaneously.

The same goes for the fencing. Certain sections of fencing were damaged from the tornado. To ensure a coherent appearance and age, though, the Dwight Davis board would like to install new fencing throughout the facility.

Recent Renovations Highlight Progress

The board, which is a 501(c)3, pours about $50,000 annually into the upkeep of the facility. They had already spent about $100,000 this year as part of a capital campaign to upgrade Dwight Davis and, fortunately, most of the improvements were inside the building and unharmed.

Recent upgrades to Dwight Davis include new flooring throughout the lower level, improved storage, reclaimed office space and upgraded internet and Wi-Fi. The meeting room was renovated and now features photos and memorabilia that bring the history of tennis in St. Louis to life.

A new ice machine was installed and relocated for better access, and security enhancements were made. A statue previously featured at the 2024 US Open was also installed. Artwork created for the US Open by St. Louis native Chelsey Farris was the catalyst for the statue’s design.

Additionally, the seating area under the bleachers was upgraded, creating an even more welcoming space. Dwight Davis also reopened a pro shop for the first time since closing during COVID. The pro shop features a wide selection of tennis and pickleball products, including balls, grips, racquets, paddles, bags, apparel and other fun merchandise. It also offers sunscreen and other convenience items, along with snacks and drinks, including adult beverages.

“Having the pro shop open again creates a welcoming, community-focused feel,” Kovacs said. “It’s nice to be able to come inside and talk with someone face to face. For the past few years, people were speaking to staff through a small window due to social distancing.”

Quevreaux Brings Experience

Another blessing for Dwight Davis Tennis Center was the hiring of Noel Quevreaux as general manager at the beginning of the year. She has taken the momentum built by her predecessor, Carobeth Kelly. Previously, Quevreaux was the owner of Sunset Tennis Center in South County.

“Having her come to Dwight with the experience she has in owning and running a tennis facility can’t be quantified,” Kovacs said. “Carobeth had been the general manager there for about four years, and she just did an absolute fantastic job. Noel has continued that. She has worked closely with the board on the improvements that were in their vision.

“She’s also very good at working with groups and organizations to bring larger events to the facility. She’s got great rapport with people in the tennis community. She’s also very closely connected with the pickleball community. This is a win all around for the facility and for the community, just to have her and her experience invested in this facility.”

To read a previously published USTA St. Louis story about the community rallying in the wake of the tornado, click here. Check out additional USTA Missouri Valley stories for Park and Recreation Month by clicking here.