Council Committee Ok’s Expansion of Tennis Center

After a brief discussion this afternoon, the Tuscaloosa City Council Projects Committee unanimously approved a proposal to expand the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center with an infusion of $10 million from the City of Tuscaloosa. The proposal will now go to the full council for their action.

The center operated by the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority is located at 715 21st Avenue East and is considered a top tier facility in the state and according to PARA, it rivals other similar facilities around the country.

The tennis center currently houses 3 Indoor Tennis Courts, 6 Outdoor Lighted Clay Courts, 4 Outdoor Hard Courts, Stringing Service and a full-service pro shop along with providing lessons, clinics, leagues and tournaments.

The planned expansion would add an additional 17 new courts and include new concession, restroom and maintenance structures, new lighting, security cameras, an updated walking trail and fencing according to the presentation made to the committee.

Representatives from the tennis center pointed out to committee members that the tournaments hosted by the center bring in considerable out-of-town dollars for restaurants and hotels from hundreds of tennis players competing in tournaments. They also said the expansion will allow them to partner with the University of Alabama on various projects using the tennis center.

A Tuscaloosa based company, Hall-Taylor Construction, was the apparent low bidder to construct the additions.

With final approval by the full city council, PARA told committee membership that the tennis center is growing in use, and the addition will help the center continue that growth by doubling its capacity.

Completion of the project is target for 2026.