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Half-Million Dollar Tennis Center Renovation Begins This Week

Coronavirus will not stop plans to rebuild the courts at the South Fulton Tennis Center. The half-million dollar renovation project is underway this week. Demolition began yesterday.

The project is funded by the city’s URA, which officials approved last year to manage more than $17 million in capital projects. Approximately $557,000 will be invested to not only rebuild 20 hard surface and four clay courts, but also install new nets, poles and other equipment.

“This project will take our facility to the next level,” said Tony Phillips, director of the City of South Fulton’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Phillips added, “We are looking forward to it because this project will have a broad impact both for city residents and the metro-wide tennis community.”

The project will be completed between late summer and fall, depending on weather conditions. The tennis center will be closed while the renovation takes place. Summer camp will not be available at the South Fulton Tennis Center, but tennis programming will be available at Burdett Park.

“We ask that you be patient because the work has to be done while the weather is warmer,” said Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis. “We can assure you that by November we will be back up and running, and you will be proud of this facility.”

The city’s elected officials and parks and recreation department heads hope that the tennis center renovation will position it as a destination facility in the metro Atlanta area. The city is talks with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) about having the courts certified when they are completed. The goal is to attract major events, tourism and millions of dollars in revenue.

Signature Tennis Courts, Inc. of Woodstock will manage the renovation. The company has completed similar jobs for many top local communities and organizations, including Georgia Tech, Piedmont Driving Club, Reynolds Plantation, Druid Hills Golf Club and Horseshoe Bend Country Club, which was voted the USTA Facility of the Year in 2015.

This will be the tennis center’s second renovation under the leadership of Mayor Bill Edwards. The first took place while he served on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

During yesterday’s virtual press conference, Mayor Edward’s commended the city’s staff for moving forward with the project, even in the midst of a public health crisis, and emphasized that the city is committed to continuing to serve its citizens.

“Even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, your city continues to work,” said Mayor Edwards. “We’re not holding off projects, and we want you to know that we are committed to carrying out the mission of this city.”

Safety precautions are being taken while construction is underway at the South Fulton Tennis Center. City staff and contractors are adhering to social distancing and other public health guidelines.

Photo: A half-million dollar renovation project is underway at the South Fulton Tennis Center. 24 courts will be rebuilt.

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