US Open Family Day brings tennis back to life in Asheville in wake of Hurricane Helene

From information provided by the State of North Carolina, the total cost of Hurricane Helene damage in North Carolina is estimated at $60 billion, which is nearly double the state’s annual budget. But despite the work that still needs to be done, the overwhelming impression is that of a community brought together by the disaster, rather than torn apart.

The spirit of recovery will be showcased on Sunday, August 24, when Asheville area tennis players can take a break and “celebrate.” The Asheville Tennis Association (ATA) and Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., will welcome the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for US Open Family Day.

The event was an incredible success with more than 170 in attendance, playing tennis and enjoying food and gifts for an hour. Even after a rainstorm, many enjoyed viewing the US Open on two screens. Here is the photo gallery featuring camaraderie and love of the game.

“It means a lot,” explained Debbie Southern, who is heading up the committee that is organizing the US Open Family Day in Asheville. “This is recovery from the hurricane. Tourism is not back and people have left town. All while businesses are being rebuilt. This is an honor. It gives us something to celebrate.”

Southern and her team are inviting tennis enthusiasts to check out the 12 well-manicured clay courts at Aston Park along with the adjoining park and surrounding area.

Southern, a longtime section volunteer and currently the USTA Southern High School, Tennis On Campus & Collegiate Committee chair, also hinted that there might be some friendly father/son and mother/daughter competitions. They will host on-court games including “hit the target,” plus red and orange ball play with plenty of players on the court.

New York theme

The organizing committee didn't want to give all the surprises away, but there was talk of New York-themed cuisine with hot dogs and New York style cheesecake.

One notable highlight will be viewing US Open matches. The event coincides with the first Sunday competition of the Grand Slam three-week tournament. Plans are to show US Open matches in clubhouse on the big screen TV. The tennis center is also getting help from the City of Asheville and a large projection screen may be installed onsite.

The city’s tourist bureau, Explore Asheville, and the Asheville Sports Commission are working together with media outlets to promote and cover the event. Aston Park Tennis Center is one of two facilities in USTA Southern to host this unique event. The Northeast Park Tennis Center in Meridian, Miss., the other site on the same day. The USTA is providing $3,000 to each facility. USTA Southern is increasing its support with an additional $1,000.

Recovering from Hurricane Helene

“Everyone is Asheville was affected (by the hurricane),” said Southern. “Most people have felt it in one way or another as It happened everywhere. There were trees down and floods at the tennis centers.”

The centerpiece of the Asheville tennis community, Aston Park Tennis Center is open April to November. Southern said their adult and junior clinics are very popular with up to 70-80 players participating. The USTA Junior Team Tennis program attracts numerous juniors each year and the park hosts the Asheville City Open, now in its 93rd year. After-school outreach programs along with a weeklong summer camp happen at the public park.

The ATA won the USTA Southern Community Tennis Association of the Year Award in 2023. In 2021, the community was recognized for the UNC Asheville tennis programs partnering with the ATA and the Asheville Racquet Club to hold camps for local juniors ages 11-15.

“The city and tourism have been great,” said Southern. “They are helping us have some media and TV stations out at the event. It's great getting the word out. Through all of this, there has been loss of life and homes. August 28 and the US Open is about celebrating!”