October 14, 2011

Apex, NC – The United States Tennis Association has served up a winner for the town of Apex.  A $10,000 grant is providing funds for much-needed resurfacing of Kelly Road Park tennis courts, and the startup of an innovative 10-and-under tennis program.

Cy King, a representative for USTA, presented this new program at a recent Town Council meeting.  The basic concept is simple: Kids don’t play basketball with adult-height hoops, or baseball on adult-sized fields, so why should tennis be any different?

Without hesitation, the Council approved the transformation of one of the Kelly Road Park tennis courts into a 10-and-under court.  The ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will be held next Wednesday, October 19th at 5:30pm.

“The generous USTA grant gives Apex the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of youth tennis.  The 10-and-under court will be one of only a few in the entire state, and we are looking forward to kicking off the program,” said Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly.  “This just adds to our robust recreation program, including two new parks coming to completion soon.”

Hunter Street Park and Seagrove’s Farm Neighborhood Park, both funded by bond proceeds are currently under construction. 

The 12 acre Hunter Street Park will be located across from Town Hall. Phase 1 includes lighted athletic fields for baseball, softball, and soccer.  This phase should be complete by the end of the year and ready for use by spring soccer season. Phase 2 will include a dog park, shelter / restroom facility and a playground.

Phase 1 of the Seagrove’s Farm Neighborhood Park includes paved walking trails around the pond and the pond overlook. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by December 2012. Phase 2 will include a shelter / restroom facility and playground.  

Apex residents can also be on the lookout for a survey from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission in early winter.  The Commission and Town staff will be soliciting input about participation trends as well as the satisfaction level with current programs and parks. The survey will also ask for suggestions regarding future programs and park facilities.

“We’re always looking for feedback and input from citizens and participants,” said Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director John Brown. “Since our most current Master Plan was adopted in back in 2001, we are looking forward to gaining more up to date information from this survey regarding the programs and facilities our citizens would like to see in the future”.

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