Tennis committee seeks USTA tournament, says grant rep may extend deadline while fencing delayed

The Oak Hills tennis long-range planning committee reported Jan. 16 that it has begun a two-track planning process: a long-range facility plan through 2026 and a short-term program plan for 2025. The committee said a key contract covering Kings Highway expires in August 2025 and the committee is assessing options for the facility’s future.

Denise Brown, reporting for the tennis committee, said a proposal to host a USTA-sanctioned Arthur Goldblatt open singles tournament in September was under consideration; tennis pro Brian O’Rourke has been involved in youth programming and will support logistics. Brown said the USTA grant representative, Heather Blythe, told the committee she was “very open to the fact that if we'd need some longer assistance time that, we would be able to achieve that,” because materials and mesh for fencing arrived late and cold weather has delayed installation.

The committee also plans short-term programs to raise utilization and revenue, said Brown, who described the friends-of-tennis group as an active partner for fundraising and projects. A primary near-term item is completing the fence mesh installation tied to a USTA grant; if the timeline slips the USTA representative offered leeway on the April 5 paperwork deadline.

Why it matters: A sanctioned tournament and higher utilization could broaden the facility’s regional reach and produce event revenue; the USTA grant supports capital work (fencing), and timing affects grant compliance.

What’s next: The committee will continue planning for the September tournament concept and will coordinate with ODINs (food service) for possible event food options and with staff on scheduling. The committee intends to finalize a long-range plan by mid-2026.