Suffield Upgrades Its Tennis Courts

The Family Recreation Complex is the home to a new concept in tennis play.

In July, the four courts underwent a major repair project that included repairs to cracks that developed over the years, and a new blue and green color surface.

The Parks & Recreation department and commission have been diligent for the past year working to bring a new life to these courts.  The four original regulation size courts have now grown to seven courts.   

How did this happen you may ask?   One of the courts has been designated into four smaller scale courts, specifically for young children to learn the game of tennis.  The original 76’ court is now divided into four, 36’ x 18’ courts, equipped with smaller and shorter tennis nets.  When you think about it, young school age children use smaller and shorter chairs, desks, tables, and sinks.  Also, Little Leaguers use smaller bats and field dimensions are much shorter, as is the case in most other children’s sporting programs.  It is challenging for young children to hit a tennis ball over a regulation size net and run around a full size court, which is why we reached a decision to propose courts that would comply with United States Tennis Association recommended Quick Start tennis program guidelines.

These new courts meet the recommendations of the United States Tennis Association and their 10 and Under tennis format. The smaller courts are sized just right for younger children to learn in a user friendly environment.  The smaller court is easier for a child to maneuver. Modified balls are used that are larger, bounce lower and are slower through the air, which makes them easier for children to hit. Children will use racquets that are sized for smaller hands and that are easier to swing and grip. All of this equates to more fun for a child to learn tennis!

We also went a step further and the adjacent regulation size tennis court has special ‘blended’, lighter color lines painted on them.  This blended court is a dual size court in that it is a regulation size but if you look closely you will notice the lighter lines are measured out at 60’. This is the next step up in the learning process for tennis.  Once the younger children outgrow the 36’ size courts, the next progression is a 60’ size court.   

Making tennis an easier game to learn at a young age will make it a more memorable experience and one we hope will last a life time. 

We will be offering an after school youth tennis program beginning Tuesday, September 17 and it will be held on these new courts.  If your child is interested in learning how to play – sign them up today! 

Tennis is a great family activity so get out and enjoy the new courts!  Lights will be on until 9:00 p.m. nightly.