New tennis complex planned for Tomar Park

Part of Tomar Park could be turning into a new sports park and tennis complex.

The Sioux Falls Tennis Association is planning the Tomar Sports Park and Tennis Complex project, which would revitalize a portion of land in Tomar Park. It will meet a growing need for more outdoor tennis courts in Sioux Falls and greatly enhance the city’s ability to host outdoor tennis tournaments, including the state high school girl’s and boy’s tennis tournaments, the organization said.

“The Tomar Park complex is a perfect location for additional tennis courts,” executive director Lydia Healy said. “It’s right off the interstate, and we could partner with Lincoln High School and McKennan Park, due to their proximity, in hosting many good tournaments. It also offers the space for families to spread out and partake in other activities while players are warming up for a match.”

The city provided the land for the complex and SFTA set a fundraising goal of $2.5 million to make the project possible. When the work is completed, the tennis complex and new sports courts would be formally gifted to the city and maintained by the parks department. They will be available for use by the public.

The plan is to include a basketball court and sand volleyball court, plus multiple benches and sun shades, and additional parking. Sculptures could be added too.

In addition, once these upgrades are completed, the bike trail will be moved to better connect Tomar Park with the disc golf course, soccer fields and the dog park.

The project has been in the quiet phase of fundraising for the past several months, and volunteers have raised more than $1.5 million of the needed funds. Architectural design is underway, and construction will begin when the $2.5 million is pledged. Eight of the twelve courts have been named by either families or organizations.

The remaining four courts are available for naming rights. For further information or to donate, click here.

The GreatLIFE Cares Foundation is offering a $500,000 challenge matching fund for the project. Gifts received from now until May 31 will be matched on a 1:1 basis.