LAWTON – A ceremony to dedicate the renovation of the tennis courts at Greer Park, NW Cherry and 38th Street, is set for 10 a.m. June 24.
Improvements include leveling and resurfacing the eight courts, installation of new poles and nets, LED lighting systems, a time-lock gate, new water fountains, signage, spectator benches, fresh paint, landscaping, fence repairs, and installation of windscreens.
“With top-quality courts such as those we now have at Greer Park, we will be able to host larger tournaments that bring more people to town,” said Jeffery Temple, City of Lawton Parks & Recreation Director “Our first tournament on the new courts will be the Summer Sizzler Tournament in July.”
The $320,000 renovation project was approved by the Lawton City Council in January and was funded through the 2015 CIP program, Community Relations Director Tiffany Vrska said.
“We’re grateful for the support of the City Council in following through on citizen-voted projects to im- prove the quality of life in our community,” Temple said.
“We’re also proud of the staff members in the field who have taken on this project on top of many other responsibilities during our high season.”
The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled to include comments from Mayor Stan Booker, Ward 1 Councilwoman Mary Ann Hankins and Ward 5 Councilman Allan Hampton.
Lawton has 13 additional tennis courts throughout the community; the 35th Division Park courts at NW Dearborn and Sixth Street also have been resurfaced this year and received new nets and poles.
Tennis, a non-impact sport, is a low-cost recreational activity and a sport for all ages, Temple said. Lowering resting
heart rate and blood pressure, increasing aerobic capacities, improving metabolic function, and improving strength, flexibility and reaction times are just a few health benefits that may be derived from playing tennis.