Volunteers say Garber Courts tennis and pickleball programs expanding with grants and a new pro shop
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Summary
Volunteers who operate Garber Courts told council they have expanded youth tennis and pickleball programming, won national facility recognition and secured grants for a pro shop, an electronic entrance sign and a storage garage.
Volunteers who run Garber Courts on Court Street described nearly two decades of programming and recent grant awards that they said will help sustain the community facility.
Sushma Jones, speaking for the volunteer group, said the facility hosted high‑school tennis practices, youth camps and pickleball tournaments and served about 57 children last year. "We did reach 57 kids this past, last year," Jones said, and the group is planning 19 years of youth tennis and pickleball camps and expects about 70–80 kids this coming season.
Jones said volunteers started a Friends of Garber Courts fundraiser (about 60 contributors to date), secured a grant to outfit a pro shop to sell hats and balls to help raise revenue, won a 2023 USTA national facility‑of‑the‑year award and received a state grant for a new storage garage and for an electronic entrance sign that will be brought to council for discussion.
Council members and staff thanked the volunteers for programming and noted the courts provide evening recreation opportunities and partnerships with local schools and youth organizations.
What council recorded: no formal action or funding appropriation was taken at the meeting; the volunteers said the electronic‑sign replacement and the storage garage will be brought to council for discussion when appropriate.
