GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Ottawa Hills High School's new tennis courts are now in use, marking the end of the second tennis court renovation project this summer at Grand Rapids Public Schools.
The tennis courts at Ottawa Hills High School and Union High School were both restored thanks to a partnership between Grand Rapids Public Schools and West Michigan Community Tennis. West Michigan Community Tennis secured a $52,000 grant from the United States Tennis Association Foundation for the projects. GRPS added $69,000 to fully fund the reconstruction.
The new Union tennis courts were completed in June. The courts at Ottawa Hills were restored in September.
"At GRPS, we believe that every scholar, no matter where they are, deserves access to high-quality facilities and opportunities that inspire pride
in their school," GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said during the ribbon cutting for the new courts. "These tennis courts are all part of a larger vision -- a commitment to ensuring that our scholars are set up for success, both in and out of the classroom."
Following the ribbon cutting, the Ottawa Hills boys tennis team hosted a match against Cedar Springs.
"I am incredibly excited to see our athletes on these courts today, performing at their best, on the courts they truly deserve," said Ottawa Hills Tennis Coach Andre Posey.
"I can’t believe that these are our new courts," said Max Yoder, a member of the Ottawa Hills tennis team. "This is a moment that many of us have been dreaming about, and it feels amazing to stand here today and see this transformation in front of us."
West Michigan Community Tennis hosts "Tennis in the Park" during the summer months at multiple locations in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, including both Ottawa Hills and Union. The summer program is supported by a grant from the National Junior Tennis and Learning network of the United States Tennis Association Foundation.
"Tennis in the Park" provides instruction twice a week in June and July for children between the ages of 5 and 14 for just $10. Each session also includes a time of learning using curriculum developed by “Be Nice.” More than 500 students participated this summer. The program is in cooperation with the City of Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation.
"We are thankful that West Michigan Community Tennis and GRPS were able to partner in such a great way to help our local kids and adults have a great place to connect on these tennis courts for years to come," said Jack Ponstine, vice president of West Michigan Community Tennis.
