Brannon Jones with Memorial Park Tennis Complex gives Tennis Nashville the update on tennis play returning to their courts.
1. What has been the response from your members since tennis has returned to the court?
We do not have members as we are a public Parks & Rec operation. In a bit, everyone is wanting to play tennis in Hendersonville during our peak hours (8am-1pm & 6-10pm)
2. Do you have unique programs designed for this season?
No unique programs at the moment, just our junior summer lessons. I’m hoping to start up an adult Triad Team League in the late summer & rum it through fall. It will consist of two singles courts & one doubles court (hence triad). Four will be the format.
3. What do you see as the greatest opportunity, and the greatest threat for the near future of local tennis?
I really think tennis & golf are the great social distancing sports right now. Luckily for us, we have some easy modifications to allow our sport to blossom at the rec league level. Our my Parks & Rec perspective, we have a lot of new people playing tennis at Memorial Park, especially the millennials & Gen Z population. However, it’s a different story for the pros in regards to crowds and large draw sizes. I still think modifications can be done to allow the pros to play to some capacity & being safe & healthy. We have a lot of smart people in our industry & in the U.S.
4. What advice to do you have for those tennis players looking for a place to play?
My advise in my neck of the woods, reserve courts or learn to play in the heat of the day. Our 12 courts are packed just about every night. In addition, for us tennis veterans, teach up the younger generation or newcomers our tennis etiquette in a non abrasive way so tennis doesn’t get that “snob” impression. Yes, I know, it takes a lot of patience & biting your tongue, but that’s what we need a lot of in 2020.
