The Vermont Dream Project, Inc. will help raise $400,000 to fund the refurbishing of three existing tennis courts and the construction of three new tennis courts. This will include courts, net posts, nets, fences and windscreens. The project will also support the programs that take place on these courts.
The City of South Burlington has a population of 15,841 and encompasses 29.6 square miles. It is one of the largest cities in Chittenden County which has a population of 146,571.
There are 3 indoor tennis facilities under one management in Chittenden County. These courts are for members. Guest play is based on court availability. Guest tennis is $25 per person per hour for singles and $37.50 per person per 1½ hour for doubles. As of 9/19/2010 a tennis membership is $102 per month.
Presently South Burlington has only five community tennis courts located at two sites: South Burlington High School and Syzmanski Park.
The 3 Community Courts located at SBHS were built in 1972 as a dual-purpose recreational project with a grant from the Vermont Land and Water Conservation Fund. They were used as tennis courts and a skating rink. Through the Winter until the mid 80’s the concrete was flooded to create an ice skating facility for public skating, Parks and Recreation Department classes and the High School Hockey Team.
During the spring, summer and fall months the surface served as tennis courts for the Community, Parks and Recreation Department, High School Tennis Teams and South Burlington Physical Education classes. The courts have never been completely resurfaced. They have been maintained by occasionally filling in cracks where grass grows through the courts and a fresh coat of paint over the cracks. The surface is uneven with bumps and pits creating an unpredictable and frustrating tennis experience for anyone playing on them. The years of flooding has caused serious damage to the foundation of the courts. Presently they are in a terrible, almost unplayable state. They are in no condition to host a USTA event or support community teams or players without potential protest or possible injury.
The three South Burlington Community Courts at SBHS are used extensively for numerous programs:
The Parks and Recreation Department of South Burlington provides tennis instruction and camps for individuals of every age and ability level throughout the Summer and Fall. The South Burlington Tennis Director has participated in the USTA Coaches program and coordinates the USTA QuickStart Program and the Play Tennis Program for the community. Participation is limited due to the number of courts as the program can only accommodate eight students on each court.
The three South Burlington Community Courts are the site where both the SBHS Varsity Girls and Boys
teams practice and play during the spring season. Participation is limited due to the small number of
courts. Practices are staggered and shortened, matches alternate, and often extend late into the
evening and dark.
The three South Burlington Community Courts are the site for the LEAP program tennis instruction.LEAP, (Leading, Empowering, Affirming, Progressive) is a Program Offering Positive Alternatives in Education & Life. LEAP strives to be a leader in providing hope and motivation to children and their families in achieving academic and social competence.
The South Burlington Community Courts is a potential site where tennis professional Jake Agna would like to create a Kids on the Ball program. This program would also provide numerous volunteer
opportunities for South Burlington High School students. *See attachment on King Street Center KOB
KOB, Kids on the Ball is an after-school enrichment and summer program for students in grades K-5.
The service works in conjunction with existing after-school and summer programs. The program
promotes academic, physical, personal and social development. Our belief is that with the integration
of all three areas we have created a rich and fun environment where students can develop new skills,
discover new ideas, and forge new friendships; a well-rounded child.
The Community Courts are always open for community play. A story to note: This past spring I was
helping Coach Jake Agna with the varsity girls tennis team practice. Sixteen girls were practicing on
three courts with a match the following day. A father came during practice with his two very young
children hoping to play tennis. Without hesitation Jake invited them to join the practice. I’m not sure if
they had ever had a lesson or if they had held a racket more than a few times. They were warmly
welcomed and even got a few pointers that night.
The three Community Courts at SBHS are located next to the South Burlington Community Library. Our
Community Court Project will make tennis rackets accessible for community members to check out at
the South Burlington Community Library.
Vermont Dream Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. We support the project to rebuild and construct South Burlington Community Tennis Courts and the programs on these courts. This project will provide inspiring, affordable and educational opportunities to enhance and build a stronger community. It takes a community to help build tennis courts, it takes tennis courts to help build a community. Find out how you can help!
Vermont Dream Project, Inc. is asking you to help financially support our project and programs.
Contact Information:
Maureen Wulfson, Project Coordinator
South Burlington Community Tennis Courts
mbwdesign@comcast.net
802.578.3965
Samantha Wulfson, Student/Junior Project Coordinator
Diane Meyer, President USTA Vermont
802.363.0254
South Burlington, Vermont Recreation Department
Tom Hubbard, Recreation Director
802.846.4108
South Burlington School District
Patrick Burke, Principal SBHS
802.652.7000
Jake Agna, Tennis professional/Coach
802.658.0002
ROJECInc