MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date: July 17, 2024 – For Immediate Release

Owensboro Parks and Recreation and Owensboro-Daviess County Tennis Association to hold Press Conference and Court Dedication

Owensboro Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Owensboro-Daviess County Tennis Association, will host a press conference and court dedication at the Owensboro Tennis Complex, 2965 Bittel Road, on Friday, July 26 at 5:00 p.m.

This event will officially open three additional courts named after Wm. H. “Bill” Thompson, recognizing the Thompson family’s generous contribution to the project. Following the dedication, an announcement will highlight the City of Owensboro being the recipient of over $100,000 in USTA grant funds. Additionally, Owensboro and the Owensboro-Daviess County Tennis Association have been selected by USTA Kentucky to host three USTA-sanctioned events in 2024, including:

• Adult Mixed Doubles Sectional Championships (October)
• Junior Team Tennis State Tournament (August)
• Adult Combo League State Championships (October)

These tournaments will bring players from nine states to Owensboro.

Kerry Bodenheimer, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Owensboro, states “We are extremely grateful to the USTA National Office, USTA Southern, and USTA Kentucky for their continued support of tennis in Owensboro.  The grants helped fund the resurfacing of the courts at both the Owensboro Tennis Complex and the Moreland Park Tennis Center, providing our community with some of  the best public tennis courts in the state. With the continued investments by the City in our facilities, and our relationship with the local tennis association, we have been successful in hosting many tournaments over the years at our facilities, and to be awarded a Sectional Championship is a testament to the recent resurfacing projects, the construction of the additional courts, and the efforts of the Owensboro-Daviess County Tennis Association. ”

Noel Clayton, General Manager at Merchant Centre Court and a long-time board member of the Owensboro-Daviess County Tennis Association, spearheaded the effort with the Thompson Family and the addition of the extra courts.  “We are excited to be able to publicly thank Tommy and his family for their commitment to tennis in Owensboro.  The extra courts have allowed us to not only keep tournaments like the GMAC College Tournament Championship but also to host our first USTA Adult Sectional Tournament.  We enjoy a great relationship with the City of Owensboro and worked closely with them to land this tournament that will have state champions coming in from Kentucky and eight other southern states this fall. “

Mark Calitri, President & CEO of the Owensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, ‘The team at USTA are exceptionable partners committed to delivering well-run, professional events. We continue to attract quality sports events and showcase our vibrant riverfront city. “

An open house for juniors and adults will take place following the announcements.  All levels are welcome and equipment will be provided.

 

For more information, please contact Kerry Bodenheimer, Recreation Superintendent, at [email protected], or (270) 687-8705.

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