The city of East Ridge's renovated tennis courts with added pickleball lines are all set for local racquet sports players, with $25,000 in upgrades now complete.
Located in front of East Ridge High School, the four courts - the only tennis courts owned by the city - hadn't been worked on in years, said city Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson.
"They were just in really bad shape," he said, giving examples of the deteriorating conditions such as debris on the courts, and trees and vines growing through the surrounding fences. "We wanted to be able to offer tennis and pickleball courts for residents."
Local interest in pickleball has increased since the city started the East Ridge Seniors Pickleball club in November, going from no participants to the current 38 players, said Wilson. Prior to the renovation, club members played indoors at the East Ridge Community Center.
To get the courts up to speed, Competition Athletic Services was hired to pressure wash the surface, fill cracks that in some instances were up to 3-4 inches deep, and fill dips in the court that were prone to collecting water.
The company applied a layer of Laykold NuSurf flexible resurfacer and two layers of Laykold Color Concentrate to the surface, which was then painted with tennis court marking lines in white along with pickleball marking lines in Carolina blue. New nets and lighting were also installed.
The city held a grand opening event for the upgraded courts Aug. 10, when the Chattanooga Tennis Association and East Ridge Seniors Pickleball club offered free lessons and use of equipment.
Renovations to the city of East Ridge's tennis courts in front of East Ridge High School are now complete, and the courts are open to the public. / Contributed photo by Adam WilsonWilson said he hopes to work with both groups in the future to plan similar events and provide interested residents with opportunities to learn or practice both sports.
To help introduce tennis to local youth, Wilson said he's talking to the Chattanooga Tennis Association about offering the United States Tennis Association's Rally Cats youth program for ages 4-10 at the upgraded facility.
The courts are open to anyone, although Wilson recommends people call the Parks and Recreation Department to reserve a court to ensure one is available. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Tennis teams and physical education classes from East Ridge Middle and High schools have first priority in reserving the courts, which are located on the high school's campus but owned by the city, he said.
The courts are located at 4320 Bennett Road. To reserve, contact Kim Gann at 805-3111 or kgann@eastridgetn.gov.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.