USTA grant helps transform Watson Trail Park tennis courts in Sunset Hills

A process covering more than a year’s time is coming to a conclusion as the Sunset Hills Parks and Recreation department completes the renovation of four 78-foot post-tension concrete tennis courts.

A check presentation for the USTA Tennis Venue Services grant contribution of $154,000 was held June 24. Representatives from USTA St. Louis and USTA Missouri Valley were among those in attendance. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for late August.

“It’s been great to see everyone work together to accomplish this project,” said Gerald Brown, director of parks and recreation for the City of Sunset Hills. “We’re excited to see the refurbished courts used by our residents of the community.”

The tennis courts at Watson Trail Park in Sunset Hills were destroyed on the last day of 2010, when a rare winter tornado caused extensive damage. Repairs included new fencing, court resurfacing, new net posts and solving access issues.

Since then, there have been only minor repairs done. Watson Trail Park did receive a $5,000 Tennis Venue Services grant from USTA national a couple years ago to help install a tennis backboard for players.

With a lot of cooperation from various entities, the lighted Watson Trail Park tennis courts are now receiving a full renovation. The old courts were removed entirely. New subsurface, post-tension concrete, fencing, nets, walkways as well as all-new accessories are being constructed.

“There is no way this project could have been completed without many different partners contributing, both financially and with input,” Brown said. “We received grants from the Municipal Parks Grant Commission for $465,000. The USTA national office contributed $140,000, and the USTA Missouri Valley contributed $14,000 of the almost $1 million project.”