Recently updated tennis and pickle ball courts in the City of East Ridge will soon be available for teams and enthusiasts of the two sports to practice their skills. The City is near completion of the $25,000 renovation project on the courts in front of East Ridge High School.
Located on Bennett Road, the courts were deteriorating from neglect and were frequently covered with leaves, weeds, and debris. The City called in a tree service to clear the trees and vines that had grown through the surrounding fences. Once the fences were clear, the resurfacing project began.
To bring the courts up to competition standards, Competition Athletic Surfaces began by pressure washing the courts, filling all the cracks (some 3” – 4” deep) and removing the “bird baths” - dips in the court that tend to hold water.
A layer of Laykold NuSurf flexible resurfacer and two layers of Laykold Color Concentrate were applied. Lastly, white tennis court marking lines and caroline blue pickle ball marking lines were painted and new nets were installed.
“The courts look like a million bucks and I want to maximize use,” said Adam Wilson, Parks and Recreation Director for East Ridge, “we plan to keep the courts open daily from 8am – 9pm once they are officially open.” Wilson hopes the newly renovated courts can inspire East Ridge High School and East Ridge Middle School to form tennis teams. He would also like to partner with a tennis club and a pickle ball club to raise awareness of both sports and hopes to eventually provide instructors to give lessons.
Although the City has not officially reopened the courts as they are still in the process of replacing benches and repairing lights, the goal is to have the renovated courts open by the first of August. Once open, the tennis / pickle ball courts will be accessible to the general public, schools teams and clubs. Reservations will be taken by East Ridge Parks and Recreation by calling (423) 805-3111.