FELLSMERE — The once gray, cracked and weedy court across from Fellsmere Elementary that had been a place for soccer practice has been transformed into a colorful haven for tennis players young and old alike.
The U.S. Tennis Association Florida unveiled the newly refurbished court Saturday morning and presented a check representing the $8,560 project to City Manager Jason Nunemaker.
“It makes me really happy to see this,” U.S.T.A. Florida Section Foundation Executive Director Linda Curtis said while presenting the check, which represents both the work done on the court and the related tennis equipment. “You’re going to be able to grow in your tennis.”
The project got started last summer when Janet Sprague, of U.S.T.A. Florida, identified Fellsmere as a potential candidate for such work. Sprague made her pitch to the board, which approved it and sent it up to U.S.T.A. National for funding.
“Today is a day of celebration,” Sprague said, addressing members of Fellsmere City staff, volunteers and children interested in tennis. “Today, we just want to say some thank yous.”
Sprague explained that the old court was a prime candidate for the project because of its proximity to the elementary school and the nearness of homes. She said it would be a great place to get in some practice during a lunch break for those working in the area.
“We want to get the community out here,” Sprague said, noting that, in this day and age, too many people stay inside. Children, in particular, choose video games over sport.
Among those the U.S.T.A. Florida wants to reach through such projects are the Hispanic children of Fellsmere. Hispanics make up more than 80 percent of the city’s population, Sprague said.
“We’re really not reaching that audience,” she previously told VeroNews.com.
It’s the main reason why Sprague recommended Fellsmere’s to be one of a handful of courts in the region to be targeted for improvements. The region Sprague represents includes Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties.
Given the court is across the street from Fellsmere Elementary, the physical education teachers plan to incorporate tennis into their lesson plans come next school year. The Boys and Girls Club, also nearby in the Old Fellsmere School, expects to make use of the court.
“We are going to have a long and fruitful relationship” with the school, Sprague said.
Principal Ramon Echeverria agreed. Taking a break from batting around a tennis ball, he said he was glad for the partnership with the U.S.T.A. Florida.
“I am a believer of academics and I am a believer of sports,” he said, adding that he suspects the connection between the school and the tennis court will help create a healthier community – one that eats healthier, is more active, and studies harder.
City Manager Jason Nunemaker took a few minutes and tried his hand at a friendly game of tennis and suffered “a humiliating defeat,” he said, laughing and explaining the last time he played he was probably 10 years old.
“It’s perfect timing,” he said of the newly made over court given the renovations taking place at the adjacent Marian Fell Library and at Fellsmere Elementary. “It’s good stuff all the way around.”
Councilwoman Sara Savage took in the court and said she was happy to see it being used as a tennis court again. She said she grew up playing tennis on the court from the ages 11 to 16.
“I’ve always loved tennis,” Savage said, explaining that it beat basketball, which requires far too much running. Tennis, instead, is more contained and requires more hand-eye coordination.
The U.S.T.A. Florida is working to develop a network of volunteers who will work with a hired instructor to put together a weekly youth tennis program for the community. That program is expected to kick off in late September.
Sprague said it is crucial to find volunteers willing to learn how to manage such tennis programs.
While the funds for the rehabilitation of the court and the temporary program coordinator have been secured, Sprague said U.S.T.A. Florida would appreciate sponsorships or donations to help fund tennis equipment and additional programs.
Anyone interested in learning more about the U.S.T.A. Florida’s project, getting involved, or donating, is encouraged to contact Janet Sprague by calling or texting (561) 385-7399 or emailing Sprague@florida.usta.com. They can also visit U.S.T.A. Florida’s website: www.florida.usta.com.
