Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Department to Open Tennis Complex, Skate Park Sept. 14

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will hold two ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 14. The public is invited to attend both and to enjoy the new facilities that will be opened.
     The first, at 10 a.m., will celebrate the opening of the Westover Hills Tennis Complex, which is located behind Westover Hills Elementary School at 1211 Jahnke Road.
     The department has built four new tennis courts and renovated two others at the complex. The courts are specially designed to provide instruction for children 10 and younger with the new Quick Start tennis program, which uses smaller court areas, larger racquets and other equipment that makes it easy for children to learn and play tennis. The courts are the only public tennis courts in the region designed specifically with children in mind.
     “Our new tennis courts, designed specifically with children in mind, as well as the new skate park, add to our efforts to promote healthy lifestyles in Richmond for all audiences, said Mayor Dwight C. Jones.
     The ribbon-cutting will be followed by tennis games and activities including prizes until 1 p.m. Families and children are encouraged to attend, and free pizza will be available for all who register to attend by September 12 at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090D49AAAF283-westover. Children 10 years old and younger will also be able to register at the event for fall tennis.
     “Tennis is a life-long sport that we want to encourage children to play and enjoy because it can lead to a sustained active and healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, said.
     The event is co-sponsored the United States Tennis Association, Mid-Atlantic Virginia and the Richmond Tennis Association, which will donate a check for $2,000 to the department’s youth tennis programs.
     The department’s second ribbon-cutting of the day will be held at 11 a.m. in Carter Jones Park to celebrate the opening of the City’s first public skateboard facility. Carter Jones Park is located at 2800 Bainbridge Street. The department worked with skateboarders and neighborhood residents to build a facility for all to enjoy. It is the only public skate park in a 16-mile radius.  
     “We are extremely pleased to be opening the city’s first public skateboard facility. This exceptional community facility provides skateboarders in the city with an appropriate public space to enjoy their sport,” said Dr. Merrifield.
     The City has also recently completed the installation of two swimming pool splash pads, built a new indoor swimming pool, and opened two new community facilities – Bellemeade and Broad Rock – in partnership with Richmond Public Schools, which are free for Richmond residents to use.

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