July 26, 2023
By Landry Brewer
The Rotary Park tennis courts were recently resurfaced, and they’re ready to host matches for the masses.
Merritt Tennis & Track did the work. The same company resurfaced the Ackley Park tennis courts in 2019.
“Merritt did such a good job refurbishing the Ackley Park courts four years ago, we were happy to hire them again,” said City Manager Tom Ivester.
The public as well as local competitive tennis players will benefit from the improvement.
“Elk City High School tennis teams practice on the Rotary Park courts, and the high school and middle school tennis teams use the courts to host tournaments, so we want them to be in good shape and look good,” Ivester said.
Ivester also wants the courts to be in excellent condition for the benefit of all area tennis and pickleball enthusiasts.
In addition to the new playing surface, the Rotary Park tennis courts also have new nets.
An estimated 600-800 players use the courts annually.
The Ackley Park and Rotary Park tennis courts were resurfaced in 2011. The Ackley courts were resurfaced again in 2019, followed by the Rotary courts this month.
The parks’ tennis courts are often full during spring and summer evenings, so the upgrades will enhance enjoyment for the hundreds of tennis and pickleball players of all ages—from the very young to the more seasoned citizens—who use the courts every year.
They also help the City put its best foot forward for visitors, including those interested in relocating and doing business here, and the tennis teams that bring players to town and buy food and fuel here.
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