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A grand opening is planned for Saturday for the eight clay courts at the Southwest Park complex on Vonn Road.
By ERIC STIRGUS
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 27, 2001
LARGO -- The city has finished work on eight new clay tennis courts at Southwest Park touted by officials as a major improvement from the six asphalt courts that were on the site.
"It's a gorgeous facility and we're expecting once the public sees it, they'll be excited," said Don Brannon, who is in charge of operation of the tennis courts for the city.
The public will get its first chance to look at the courts at 10 a.m. Saturday, when city officials host a grand opening. The complex is located at 13120 Vonn Road.
Construction work began in November with a $640,000 budget. Brannon said the project was completed under budget.
City residents with a recreation card can use the courts for $4.25 for a typical 11/2-hour session. Non-residents must pay $5.25 for a similar time period.
Local tennis players requested clay courts.
"Clay courts are better for play," said Brannon. "They're a lot cooler. They're a lot less stressful on your legs."
Brannon also noted that the tennis ball moves a little slower on clay courts, which allows for longer volleys between players.
City Commissioner Pat Gerard, who has been playing tennis for a couple of years, recently got a glimpse of the renovated facility. She believes it will draw people countywide.
"I believe we will have lots of people coming to play on these courts," she said.
Brannon estimates the city will collect about $42,000 over the next 12 months in revenue from them.
Gerard, who plays once a week, will participate in Saturday's ceremonies. Just don't expect a performance reminiscent of a Venus Williams or a Martina Hingis, she said.
"I'm not a pro," she said. "I just like to hit the ball back and forth."