City taking over operation and maintenance
Tennis players tend to be passionate about the game they love and that fervor was on display this past week when the the City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department held a meeting to discuss the future of the Payne Park Tennis Center.
A large number of players poured into the Payne Park Auditorium on Wednesday to hear what the ramifications would be with the city taking over from the county the operation and maintenance of the tennis jewel that sits close to downtown Sarasota.
Questions and comments flowed. Surveys were submitted. Ideas were debated.
Though it was more of a fact-finding event to give the new caretakers an idea of the most pressing needs in the view of the members and players, a few long-range goals were also revealed for the facility that sits at the site that for nearly 70 years was the home of the baseball stadium that hosted Major League spring training games.
The city and tennis have a long history, one that both players and officials of the City Parks and Recreation department want to continue.
The Payne Park Tennis Center opened its doors in 1993 with nine green clay Har-Tru courts and later added three more courts.
The opening of the facility completed the relocation of the old city courts that were built on the bayfront near 10th street and U.S. Highway 41 in 1938.
The courts at Payne Park have been a haven for recreational tennis players and several of the people who showed up to the meeting this week — including 90-year-old Clem Hopp — have have been members of the facility near the Sarasota County Courthouse since the day it opened.
Originally run by the city, the county took over operation of the courts for many years. Now the city is back in charge and City Park and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle says he is determined to improve the experience for those who play at the courts.
“We are here to serve you and do the best to address your needs,” Fogle told the audience.
Tumeka Harris, who played at the University of Michigan and last year led the Saint Stephen’s girls team to the FHSAA state tournament, has been named the tennis center’s supervisor and joined Fogle and his staff to greet the Payne Park players at the meeting.
Also there to listen to suggestions was City Commissioner Hagen Brody, who has become known as a passionate supporter of tennis.
Input was immediate, with those in attendance both praising the facility and challenging the new managers to correct concerns.
There is general disrepair that needs to be fixed and work has already begun on worn out awnings and making sure cold water is available courtside.
That is just the start said Fogle, who also soothed some fears by announcing that current fees and hours will be unchanged for now.
There were several hot topics.
Parking, bathroom issues, court conditions facility security were among the items broached.
“I have played at Payne Park. I can see a number of very simple upgrades we can address to make that experience better for everybody,” Brody said.
Sweeping the courts more often and making sure cold water is available are among immediate fixes.
Time will be needed to solve things like parking, better drainage on the courts and resurfacing worn courts where needed.
“We are going to protect the experience that is there and make it better,” said Brody, who won a state title in doubles while playing for Sarasota High. “I have worked with Jerry and he cares about the parks. I trust the decisions he is making regarding employment and maintenance on the courts.”
Brody also outlined hopes for the future, including future discussions about possible expansion of courts and the potential of eventually adding a center court to hold events open to the public. His vision includes seeing the facility work with non-profit organizations and also providing Sarasota youth a place to learn the game.
“I personally would not be standing before you had someone not put a racket in my hands,” he said.
Fogle said it is important for the city and the Payne Park members and players to work together to make certain the facility remains the mecca of tennis it has become throughout its history.
Braswell commits to FSU
Micah Braswell, a high school junior who is a 5-star recruit, verbally committed recently to play at Florida State. He chose the Seminoles over Florida, Oklahoma, Wake Forest and USF.
Braswell’s father, Ty Braswell, the tennis director at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota, played for Florida State. He also served as an assistant coach for the Seminoles before relocating to Sarasota.
Micah Braswell, who missed two years of competitive tennis because of a stress fracture in his back, is one of the top junior players in the state and played this past spring in the qualifying tournament for the Sarasota Open, a $100,000 USTA Pro Circuit event.
Save the dates
If it is October that means the USTA National Men’s 50 Clay Court Championship is around the corner. The tournament, which has been held at the Sarasota Bath and Racquet Club for more than four decades, will be held Oct. 7-14 and brings together many of the top players in the 50-over age group. Among the area players competing this year is Sarasota’s Rill Baxter, who won the tournament in 2012. Call 941-921-6675 for more tournament information. … There is a new date and a different venue but the goal remains the same: raise money to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. The 2018 Joey Gratton Championships will be held Oct. 26-28 at The Tennis Gardens at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. There will be a Player Party (live entertainment provided by Lisa Rott) and an exhibition match involving Jimmy Arias and Christian Harrison on Oct. 26. Tournament match play is scheduled to start on Oct. 27. There are various divisions for men, women and mixed doubles. For registration and event details, visit www.JoeyGrattonChampionships.com.
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