News

OVERLAND PARK, KS — Recognized as a leader in tennis programming throughout the Kansas City area, Midtown Athletic Club in Overland Park has been named “2012 Facility of the Year” by the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Missouri Valley section.

The award was officially presented at the USTA Missouri Valley Awards and Hall of Fame Luncheon on Dec. 1 at the Overland Park Sheraton.

Missouri Valley serves 24,000 members and 400 tennis organizations throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa. Nationally, the USTA is composed of 17 regional sections.

In mid-November, Midtown was also heralded as “Facility of the Year” by the USTA Heart of America district. The 4,800-member district also presented the Overland Park club with 2012 awards for “Outstanding Adult/Senior Tournament” and recognized Midtown’s Junior Tennis Director Anthony Perkins as its outstanding “10 and Under Tennis Provider.”

“We’re incredibly proud to garner these prestigious awards at the USTA district and section levels,” says Midtown Tennis Director Dave Gary. “It validates our ongoing commitment to provide players with the best overall tennis experience in the Kansas City area.”

The Overland Park club touts nine indoor tennis courts and three dedicated lanes for automatic ball machine hitting.

Since 2009, more than $2 million in improvements have been made at Midtown, including comprehensive lobby and locker room area renovations. This summer, the club added $300,000 in new fitness equipment bearing names like Cybex, Octane, Life Fitness and Free Motion, as well as dual, theatre-quality movie screens in its fitness area.

Helen Elliot, USTA Heart of America executive director says she’s not surprised that Midtown won three district awards this year.

“Midtown Athletic Club is one of the premier tennis clubs in our district,” she says. “It offers league play, a 10 and under program, and helps us to organize many tennis activities throughout the district.”

Making an Impact with Seniors

It’s improvements like these that have made Midtown a favorite destination for the USTA National Senior Women’s 65, 75, 85 Indoor Championship Tournament, held each spring. After hosting this USTA event for nearly three decades, the club is now responsible for directing the yearly tournament, as well.

Elliot remains fond of the USTA National Senior Women’s Tournament, having coordinated the event for 15 years with the help of Jacque Croft, a USTA Missouri Valley 2005 Hall of Fame inductee.

“The senior ladies absolutely love this tournament,” Elliot explains. “They can see all the courts at the same time, and they like that Midtown treats them like queens, and provides many special amenities for their visit, including lunch each day of the tournament.”

A Leader in 10 and Under Tennis

While the tournament continues to bring Midtown recognition, the district’s recognition of Midtown’s youth tennis program is what particularly pleased Perkins, who was named outstanding “10 and Under Provider.”

The award nomination cited his ongoing attendance at USTA 10 and Under meetings, his eagerness to volunteer for USTA junior committee positions, and his organization of the district’s first, 10 and 8 and Under events.

“Anthony continues to show his commitment in shaping youth programs that are engaging and fun,” says Midtown’s Gary, who noted that Perkins also sanctioned one of the district’s first 8 and Under “Red Ball” tournaments, held on a 36-foot court.

“It’s because of Anthony’s influence that the Kansas City area will be seeing many young, competitive players in the years to come.”

About Midtown Athletic Clubs

Midtown Athletic Clubs is a leader in the upscale fitness club and sports resort industry. What began as a single tennis club in Chicago in 1970, Midtown is now comprised of 10 full-service tennis and fitness facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Locations in Illinois include Chicago, Bannockburn, Oak Park, Palatine and Willowbrook. Other clubs are operated in Atlanta, GA; Overland Park, KS; Rochester, NY; Weston, FL and Montreal, QC. Midtown features a variety of dynamic tennis programs, the latest cardio and strength training equipment, group exercise classes, personal training and spa services. The clubs offer a warm, inviting environment and provide a special place to connect with family, make new friends and get fit. For more information about Midtown Athletic Club in Overland Park, call (913) 491-4116, or visit midtown.com/overlandpark.