Ocean Springs News
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
June 9th, 2010 | For details and information concerning this release, please contact Johnnie Bernhard at (228) 875-2209.
OS Opens New Tennis Complex June 10
Ocean Springs, MS – The City of Ocean Springs will open the new Halstead Road Tennis Complex with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 10th at 10:30 a.m. The 8 court, $800,000 complex will be open for games later that day by players in the MS Tennis Association stte tournament.
“The Board of Aldermen and I welcome the tennis tournament participants to their first ever tournament on the Gulf Coast,” said Mayor Connie Moran. “I commend the geat work of staff, input from local tennis organizations, and support of Jackson County to help make this beautiful facility a reality.”
The complex replaces the older five courts and will ultimately feature a new pavilion with restrooms, pro shop, observation area, meeting room and office space. The pavilion is designed by local architect Henry Furr and should be completed in the fall.
Geri Straight, Direct of Parks and Leisure Services, says this day has been one of the City’s long-term goals. “it’s gratifying to see it all coming together as one of the Coast’s finest tennis facilities,” said said.
Most of the funding for the complex came from the 2% levy on restaurants and lounges, passed by referendum of local voters in December 2007, to fund recreation and public safety projects.
“We are ready to play ball,” said local businessman Louis Peters, current President of the Mississippi Tennis Association. “We will be proud to host players in this beautiful complex in Ocean Springs.”
