The City of Plant City held a ribbon cutting ceremony March 14 for the Plant City Tennis Center facility, a part of Ellis-Methvin Park, located at 120 N. Wilder Rd. The center features six lighted HydroGrid clay courts and four lighted hard courts. The swanky new building includes an observation deck overlooking the courts, a climate-controlled player lounge area, all new pro shop and restrooms.
Several city leaders and staff were present, along with tennis enthusiasts, to tour the new facility.
“It’s taken a lot to get to this point, there’s no doubt we’ve suffered with time delays, supply chain issues and everything else that has frustrated our progress on this project but at no time did the people involved give up, they stuck to it and that is emblematic of the teamwork that has gone into this facility,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel.
The improvements have been in the works for several years.
“To finally be here is really a great moment for us and especially the user community,” said McDaniel. “This is a great addition to our tennis facility and it’s going to make our level of tournament and daily play top-notch for users.”
Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson spoke to the crowd, remarking that she’s eager for the new tennis center to benefit residents. “We really want to make sure we’re providing our community residents with ways to recreate, whether it’s pickleball, tennis, exercise classes, mentorship programs or after-school programs,” she said. “We want to have this place as busy as possible and that’s our goal.”
Following the speeches, the crowd gathered around the entrance as the ceremonial ribbon was cut, officially inaugurating the tennis center. Attendees were then invited to explore the facility firsthand, marveling at the sleek design and immaculate courts. Pickelball nets and paddles were also put out for players to have a go at the new sport sweeping the nation. City commissioners Mary Mathis and Jason Jones, along with city staff and even McDaniel tried it out.
From youth tennis lessons to team tennis, there’s a little something for every age and skill level.
After the ribbon was cut, guests could tour the new facility or pick up a racket and hit a ball around on the courts.
Tennis players Patty Smith and Chris Assefa hit the ball around on a freshly groomed clay court. “We have the best courts in Hillsborough County and they keep them up so well,” said Smith, a longtime player who plays several days a week. “I’m really excited to have showers now that we didn’t have before and an air-conditioned building is nice.”
Assefa, a Tampa resident and self-professed tennis newbie, makes the drive because the facilities are well-maintained and for the coaching of tennis pro Shane Johnson. She plays with the “Dashing Divas.”
“Tennis is the most amazing, beautiful, complex endeavor you’ll ever partake in and Plant City is a great place to play and the new building only makes it better,” she gushed.
Reservations are required to use the clay and hard courts. Availability is subject to previously scheduled use. Fees are:
Clay Courts: $7 per person per hour before 6 p.m. and $8 per person per hour 6 p.m. or later
Hard Courts: $1 per person per hour before 6 p.m. and $3 per person per hour 6 p.m. or later.
Annual passes, which offer several benefits including priority court reservations, unlimited court time and free guest passes, are available for $350 for individuals and $700 for families. An annual junior pass for students ages 13 to 21, good for unlimited use during non-peak hours, is available for $100 per person.
The Plant City Tennis Center is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For more information about the tennis center or programming, call (813) 659-4255.
