Edmond Tennis Facility Helping Everyone Experience The Joy Of Tennis

Edmond’s Center Court, located at 601 West 15th street in Edmond, is a tennis facility that opened about two and a half years ago, and in that short amount of time they’re already getting national attention. 

“The Edmond public Schools built the facilities, and the city of Edmond are responsible for running the day-to-day operation,” said Facility Manager David Minihan.

With 24 outdoor courts and 6 indoor courts, there are no membership fees, tennis players simply reserve a court and come play.  

Edmond Center Court was just honored with the outstanding facility award. 

“This is the highest honor that USTA, the United States Tennis Association gives out for a facility,” said Minihan. 

The award not only recognizes top tier accommodations, it is also an acknowledgement of their service to the community, like helping those that want to play tennis but aren’t able to afford it. 

“They can participate in all of our classes, either at a discounted rate or full scholarship, which also includes private lessons, equipment and traveling to tournaments,” said Minihan.  

They also take pride in providing an environment inclusive of those with disabilities, through the Play It Forward program. 

“It just gives him a sense of being able to play a game, a game that normal kids play,” said parent Desiree Gilbreath.

Caitlyn Sagraves is USPTA Director of Outreach and coaches the players with disabilities. 

“To see them be more independent and that’s the goal of all our athletes is to be included in our regular programming at the end of the program,” said Sagraves.  

“It’s just fun. It’s a fun way to relieve my stress, I’m not hitting anybody else, I’m hitting the ball,” said Mindy Brown, who plays tennis as a person with a disability. 

There are 24 kids and 12 adults in the special needs program. Mindy Brown not only takes lessons, she also teaches the younger kids. 

“First year of playing and she was like can you help me teach the younger ones and I was like, 

‘ok’,” said Brown.  

“It’s not necessarily just about the racket and the tennis ball, it's about the bigger picture of getting to be involved in a community,” said Lisa Minihan, who co-operates the facility with her husband. 

Private and group lessons are available as well as teams. For information about Edmond Center Court visit their website www.edmondcentercourt.com for information about their community programs visit www.playitforwardedmond.com.