Tennis Venue Services Grants Help Enhance New England Facilities

Five New England facilities have recently benefited from this service: The Town of Lexington (MA), the Town of Pembroke (MA), Sportsmen’s Tennis and Enrichment Center (MA), Apex Racket and Fitness (ME) and Spruce Mountain Elementary (ME). 

In December 2023, Lexington received $55,000 towards the reconstruction of 10 courts at their Center Recreation Complex. The project, which was completed in April 2024, included the renovation of the courts with post-tension concrete, new nets, fencing, hitting walls and a shade structure.

“The Town of Lexington greatly values the years of support we’ve received from the USTA,” said Melissa Termine Battite, CPRP, Town of Lexington Director of Recreation and Community Programs. “This money goes well beyond supporting the construction of our newest recreation improvement project. Funding from the UTSA helps support and grow a love for the game and will allow players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game of tennis for decades to come.”

Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center in Dorchester, MA, is making strides on its $12 million expansion project. In September, thanks in part to a $63,000 TVS grant and an additional $20,000 from USTA New England, the organization opened a new four-court facility, increasing its indoor capacity by nearly 60%. 

In Pembroke, a grant of $28,750 was given to help defray the cost of resurfacing the eight tennis courts at Pembroke High School. The project was completed in September. 

The grant is part of the US Open Legacy Initiative, which was created in celebration of Coco Gauff’s 2023 US Open women’s singles title. As part of the initiative, the USTA has pledged $3 million to refurbish tennis courts across the country. 

“Investing in public parks and our youth is very important,” said Gauff. “I strongly believe that tennis can continue to become a more accessible sport, and I would like to thank the USTA for continuing to commit to do so.” 

Two Maine facilities, Apex Racket and Fitness, in Portland, and Spruce Mountain Elementary School, in Jay, also received TVS grants earlier this year. Apex was given $55,000 to convert their court lights to LED, while Spruce Mountain received $25,000 to assist with the construction of their three courts plus lights. That project is set to be completed in summer 2025. 

New England organizations and facilities are encouraged to apply for TVS grants through the USTA’s submission form. More info can be found here.