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The original court was procured in about 1990 through a combination of privately raised and Springfield Park District
funds as the Park Board looked for winter activities for residents. After seeing the enthusiastic response and volume of play
generated by the first court, the Park board purchased a second court a couple of years later.
In 2002, local
players located two used courts, purchased them, and had them hauled to Springfield. In late summer, Dave Dodge of Premier
Platform Tennis erected the courts adjacent to the existing two, with a combination of Springfield Park District and private
funds. Work is currently underway (Aug 2003) completely the deck between the old and new courts, which will include a "stadium
court," with bleachers built into the deck and surrounding one court.
The courts are lighted
and heated, allowing evening play and play during snowy and icy weather.
Each year the number
of converts to platform grows. Springfield has approximately 60 men in formal league play, and many more playing "informally."
During the 2003-2004 season, the number of women playing rose to over 30 regulars, with approximately 20 more occasional players.
Efforts are underway to host clinics in the fall to introduce new players to the game and hone the skills of the "veterans."
Park District Tennis professional Manny Velasco and his staff have equipment (paddles, balls,
and shoes) available for purchase, and loaners available for neophytes.
For more information,
contact Manny Velasco or Tom Denny at the park - 753-6225.
* Alert reader and general busybody Tim Goode notified
me that there are actually public courts in Boulder, CO. Eventually I'll change the text above, but for now this seemed
like a good way to get in a jab at Tim.
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