Springfield's Best Tennis Town Vie Ends With Top 10 Honors

Springfield’s vie for “2009 Best Tennis Town” ended yesterday, as the United States Tennis Association announced its top three finalists: Independence, Kan.; Midland, Mich.; and Ojai, Calif.

Springfield was one 56 cities to submit an entry for the competition, where it landed in the Top 10. Springfield will receive $2,000 worth of tennis equipment for community use as a runner-up city.

“We want to thank everyone who voted for Springfield as a Best Tennis Town,” said Parks Director Jodie Adams. “It was an honor for our community to make it to the Top 10, and I think that distinction underlines the high level of facilities, staff, excitement for the sport and collaborative spirit we have within the metropolitan area. If it weren’t for the public and private sectors working together, tennis wouldn’t be as successful as it is.”

The ultimate winner of the “Best Tennis Town” search will be announced during the 2009 US Open, which will be held from August 29 through September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. In addition to the title, the winner of America’s “Best Tennis Town” will receive a $100,000 grant from the USTA to be used for community-wide tennis programming or facility enhancements. The 2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, to be used towards the same purposes.