Grantee Highlight: Mat-Su Tennis Association, Palmer Tennis Court Project
The Mat-Su Tennis Association held a ribbon cutting event in early July for the much-improved Bill Herman Memorial Tennis Courts located in downtown Palmer. The Mat-Su Tennis Association received a $90,000 Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation grant in Spring of 2022 to complete the $160,000 Palmer Tennis Court rehabilitation project.
The project removed the existing ruined courts, regraded the area, added new asphalt, completely refinished the court surface, as well as added a new backboard, nets, and fencing.
The completion of this project adds to the outdoor recreational opportunities that keep our community residents healthy. It creates a high-quality facility at which residents and visitors can be active and learn to play a lifelong sport!
Limited Tennis Court Access in the Mat-Su
The Mat-su has very few places for children and adults to play tennis in the community. While High school students have been getting more successful each year representing the valley in interscholastic tennis competitions, they have not had access to high quality facilities to practice. Besides the three courts that were repaired in Palmer, the only other tennis facilities in the Mat-Su are at Iditapark in Wasilla, and the Colony High courts. MSTPF provided grant funding in 2022 for improvements at Iditapark Tennis Courts. Both of which are currently in poor condition.
The improvements at the Bill Herman Memorial Tennis Courts benefit people of all ages who are veteran players or completely new to the sport. The Mat-Su Tennis Association has hosts numerous clinics and tournaments and children’s programs, providing equipment to those who have none. Colony, Wasilla and Palmer high schools all have interscholastic tennis teams of 8 – 30 members and have sent players to the State Tournament. According to the US Tennis Association, over the last two years, participation in tennis across the country has increased 27.9%. With the improvements at the Palmer Tennis courts we hope to see even more members of the community getting out there and staying active.
Funding for this project came from the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, Wasilla rotary, Palmer Rotary, United Way of Mat-Su, MEA, Mat-Su Seahawkers, and many others.
EASIEST WAY TO DONATE For Alaskans
While applying for their PFD online, Alaskans can choose to Pick.Click.Give. in increments of $25. All donations are tax deductible and donors will receive tax documentation from the State once their donations have been processed. Permanent Fund Dividend applications are available from January 1 to March 31, though Alaskans may choose to add or adjust their pledges online through August 31.
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The Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation partners with organizations and local governments on projects and efforts that expand and enhance the valley’s network of trails and parks. Find out how we can help fund your next trail, park, or recreation project!
