How Tennis Venue Services supported the heartfelt transformation of a tennis facility in South Bend, Ind.
There are times when a love of tennis makes the difficult and painful easier to bear. For example, there is the clarity of vision for how much the game meant to David Filer, who began playing at age 2 and would reach as high as that in national rankings. Inspiration from his battle with brain cancer—a fight that drew support from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, among others—rallied his South Bend, Ind., community to find the will and funding for the $1.8 million refurbishment of the Leeper Park courts David loved into a top-tier tennis destination.
Passion and devotion to their son compelled his parents, David and Pamela Filer, as they led local forces and attracted national support, marshalling political and economic will to reconstruct a foundational tennis facility in a magnificent park on the banks of the St. Joseph River. Speaking at the groundbreaking last summer, Mr. Filer said, “When David passed away [in March 2023, at age 16], he was such a special person that we just felt his legacy needed to be honored. Actually, we were just looking for a tournament, not the courts. It sort of evolved with the help of everyone here in South Bend.”
According to Patty Schrock, president of the South Bend Community Tennis Association, “David was known for his love of tennis, work ethic, sportsmanship, natural ability, [and] desire for South Bend to host a national level tournament and provide a quality facility where all kids can learn to love tennis, which was a ‘tipping point’ for the project.”
Refurbished tennis courts at Leeper Park in South Bend, Ind. Photo courtesy of South Bend Community Tennis Association.
Opened in May 2026, the David Filer Tennis Center features lighting and clubhouse upgrades, and 13 refurbished post-tension concrete courts, which are now home to USTA tournaments, adult leagues, Junior Team Tennis, local tournaments, lessons, camps and drop-in play.
Local engagement in the project was key. The South Bend tennis community raised nearly a third of the funding on its own. This was supplemented by the City and Visitor’s Bureau funding, as well as USTA Midwest and NIN District contributions. USTA National also delivered a substantial grant. Todd Carlson, the USTA’s Senior Director, Tennis Venue Services, Partnerships and Strategic Planning, explained that, in addition to offering grant funding, his group “helped develop a business model, provided technical expertise including creating 3D renderings, and facilitated conversations with local partners,” among other resources and support.
USTA project consultant Heather Blythe added: “TVS strengthened project success by conducting comprehensive plan reviews, recommending design and operational modifications … resolving design and site constraints and balancing technical requirements with budget considerations.”
Kylie York, Director of Growth and Facilities for USTA Midwest, noted that, “supporting a site like Filer allows the section to preserve and celebrate that legacy while also using it as a platform to introduce new players to the sport. Beyond history, the David Filer Tennis Center offers the infrastructure and environment needed to deliver quality programming, host events and serve as a regional hub for tennis activity. By investing in a facility with both historical significance and growth potential, the section can bridge tradition with innovation, honoring the past while creating sustainable opportunities for the next generation of players.”
Speaking to the local ABC affiliate Darla Lippert, a member of the South Bend Community Tennis Association, summed up a shared vision for the new David Filer Tennis Center: "The greatest hope is that every child who comes here to Leeper Park picks up a racket and remembers David’s story. They learn about David’s story and they’re inspired to chase their own dreams with the same heart, the same grit, the same determination and hope that he did."
For more on how USTA’s Tennis Venue Services can help your facility or project, visit usta.com/facilities or email facilities@usta.com.
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