New tennis complex benefits quality of life in community
By Angela Kovacs
Williston Economic Development
Williston Tennis Association committee members and Williston Parks and Recreation staff who assisted
with the project (L to R): Del Easton, Jess Hanson, Lynne Raymond, Darin Krueger, Deberah Kemp,
Frank Keogh and Jeremy Ludlum.
Sept. 15, 2009 - Let the games begin. The Tom and Shirley Davidson Tennis Complex is
now officially open for business with six new USTA (United States Tennis Association)
regulation size courts for the entire community to enjoy.
The ground breaking was held on May 2 and just four months later, all the courts were
finished. This was just in time for the Williston High School boy’s tennis team to
compete in their first match against Mandan on September 4, which they won.
Three regulation size courts were added to the east side of Davidson Park and the four
existing courts were changed into three more regulation size courts. Partial court divider
fences, several sets of bleachers, nets and new tennis equipment were added as well.
The Williston Tennis Association committee members (pictured above) have shown
dedication, motivation and determination. They have been working on making this dream
a reality since last December. All were present to celebrate the ribbon cutting and
dedication ceremony which was held last Tuesday afternoon at Davidson Park.
The new courts have brought enjoyment and growth to the Williston Parks and
Recreation tennis program. Darin Krueger, Parks and Recreation director told the crowd,
“Our tennis numbers have grown immensely since this project started; the additional
courts will now allow us to add many tennis programs for kids and adults in the Williston
area. That is our goal.”
The committee raised $225,000 dollars to bring this complex to the community. There
were over 60 individual donors along with the City of Williston’s Star Fund which
donated $30,000. The USTA also gave a $9,000 grant to the aid with the project.
Other donors included Davidson Cattle Company,
which provided the initial $50,000 for the project along
with American State Bank and Pat and Tammy Sogard
who each donated $25,000.
“Williston is a great place to live and we wanted to
support this community,” said Pat Sogard. “We will live
here the rest of our life and will continue to support the
youth and this city.”
Williston’s Mayor Ward Koeser also spoke highly of
the project’s importance. “This is an exciting day for all
of us; the city has been working hard to attract people to
the quality of life offered here,” he said to the crowd.
“Tennis fits in well with enhancing our city and we now Darin Krueger (middle) said the
tennis numbers at Williston’s Parks
have one of the nicer facilities in the state.”
& Recreation center have grown as
a result of this project.
Not all of the money raised was used. The committee is
anticipating the excess funds to be used toward future
amenities for the complex. The community can be looking forward to shade shelters,
landscaping and lighting. “We will put our focus on the shade shelters and landscaping
first, then we’ll concentrate on installing lighting,” said Frank Keogh, Williston Tennis
Association committee member. “We are still in fundraising mode for these projects.”
There is approximately $75,000 yet to be raised to accomplish these finishing touches on
the complex.
The facility has been
outstanding for the High
School as well. Chris
Kittleson, Williston High
School principal said, “We
want other schools to come
here and say, ‘wow, do the
pros play here?’ We now
have top notch facilities
and top notch players.”
As WHS head tennis
coach, Wade Stueve, called
his boy’s varsity and junior These were the four existing tennis courts that got turned into
varsity players to come three regulation size courts at Davidson Park before the renovation
forward
during
the began. Photo courtesy of Williston Parks and Recreation.
ceremony, they did so with huge smiles that showed appreciation and joy. They were all
proud of the new facility they get to play each match on this fall.
Tom and Shirley Davidson Tennis Complex now completed with all six
USTA regulation size courts. Photo courtesy of Williston Parks and Recreation.
“It’s great to have the
whole team together
playing at one site,”
said Jordan Nelson,
Williston
High
School’s number one
player. “We won’t be
split up anymore and
we can be here to cheer
each other on.” He
continued to say the
complex is great for the
community in that
several people can now
play without having to
wait for others to get
off a court for their
turn.
Larry Grondahl, Park Board president was grateful as well and said, “I want to express
my deep gratitude to the committee for taking a lead role in this project. This will be a
great facility for years to come.”
The Williston High School boy’s tennis team proved once again the new complex was a
great facility when they defeated Minot right after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Williston
came out ahead 8 – 1; a great ending to a great dedication.
------------------------------------------For more information contact Williston Parks and Recreation at 701-577-5141 or
Deberah Kemp at 701-570-3314.