Central South Dakota News

The LaBarge Park tennis courts are getting an upgrade, and Pierre Mayor Steve Harding is crediting a four-way partnership for making it happen. 

Thanks to a grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA), as well as support from the Pierre School District, Pierre Tennis Assoc., and the City of Pierre, the tennis courts at LaBarge Park are getting a new surface.

“This is just one example of the many partnerships we have throughout the community that make quality-of-life improvements possible,” said Mayor Harding. “This is a great project with great partners.”

At this week’s commission meeting, the City accepted a $12,500 grant from USTA. That grant will be combined with $6,000 from the Pierre School District, $2,000 from the Pierre Tennis Assoc., and $7,500 from the City of Pierre to repair and resurface the two tennis courts at LaBarge Park.

“We are committed to supporting the enhancement and construction of tennis facilities in communities across the country,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “Investing in the development of tennis facilities nationwide, not only fulfills the USTA’s mission of growing the sport of tennis, but also provides the opportunity to enjoy lifelong healthy activity through tennis for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”

As part of the USTA grant, the City will also receive start-to-finish project management assistance from the USTA.  

“We feel very fortunate to receive the USTA grant and support from our other partners,” said Bryan Tipton, Parks and Recreation Superintendent. “The LaBarge courts will look like new when we finish this project!” 

The work is expected to take about two weeks and be complete by the end of this June.

The City of Pierre owns and maintains 10 outdoor tennis courts, two at LaBarge Park and eight at Griffin Park. The courts are open to the public and used by the Pierre High School Tennis Team for practice and competitive play.

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level – from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. Since 2005, the Association has awarded more than $16 million in grants.

Original source can be found here.