Court Construction: Making Dreams a Reality
The USTA offers technical and financial support to help build and renovate courts at facilities throughout the country.
By E.J. Crawford & Tamarah Strauss
The goal of the USTA is to grow the game. A key to that, of course, is providing well-maintained courts and facilities. But building, renovating and updating courts can be an overwhelming task for even the most experienced tennis facility manager.
The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. The USTA Facility Assistance Program offers grants, logistical and technical support to help maintain your facility’s excellence, or to upgrade it to suit your customer’s needs.
Since 2005, the USTA has offered assistance and funding to facilities nationwide. Technical assistance is provided — at no cost — from experts with industry-leading experience in tennis court and facility construction. Thousands of concept plans, construction document reviews, design decisions and specifications have been distributed over the years. To provide assistance on the ground, project consultants from the USTA national staff can deliver personalized support and service.
“Our goal is to serve as advisors and to make the process as easy and rewarding as possible,” says Maiysha Warren, the USTA’s national manager for CTAs, Parks and Tennis Facility Development.
The USTA typically receives 10 to 16 inquiries a week regarding facility assistance. An inquiry kicks off the review process, during which the USTA works with the facility to make sure its plans or desires meet industry standards and guidelines. The association works on projects of all sizes, from all over the country, including community centers, parks, YMCAs, military installations and schools.
Over the past 11 years, the USTA Facility Assistance Program has built more than 39,000 tennis courts, allocating over $12 million to the program.
Currently, there are five categories of funding:
- Line Grants: Painting permanent 36- and 60-foot tennis lines on existing courts (blended lines), paved areas, playgrounds, gymnasiums, etc. (up to 50 percent of total project cost to $4,000 maximum).
- Category I: Basic facility improvements (up to 50 percent of total cost to $4,000 maximum).
- Category II: Resurfacing of existing courts; converting existing 78-foot court to standalone 36-foot courts; lighting (up to 50 percent of total cost to $10,000 maximum).
- Category III: New construction or existing reconstruction of 36-, 60- and 78-foot courts (up to 50 percent of total cost to $20,000 maximum).
- Category IV: Install live streaming and/or player analysis technology at varsity tennis facilities (up to 50 percent of total cost to $10,000 maximum).
To be considered for funding, among other requirements, communities must: + Be actively engaged with the USTA Facility Assistance program (complete the USTA Facility Assistance Form, work with USTA-appointed project consultant, etc.). + Meet specified industry standards for the project, as determined by the USTA technical team and the latest edition of “Tennis Courts: Construction & Maintenance Manual.” + Demonstrate financial need and matching (up to 50 percent) of project funds.
For more information, visit usta.com/facilities or email facilities@usta.com.
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