Tomar Park tennis complex ready for play

One dozen new tennis courts are ready for the community as part of ongoing improvements at Tomar Park.

The 12-court GreatLIFE Care Foundation Tennis Complex include lights, water service and shade structures.

“I think it looks absolutely amazing,” said Lydia Healy, executive director of the Sioux Falls Tennis Association.

“The shade structures are going to be a great addition for our hot summers. The community has been very supportive and have been reaching out very excited to play on the courts. We are working on the final touch punch list at this moment, but play is in full swing at GCF Complex.”

Overall tennis participation has produced “very good numbers” this summer for all ages, “and I see no lull happening,” she added.

There is fundraising to be done over the winter to purchase items such as garbage cans on each court, directional signs, cleaning supplies, brooms, a leaf blower, scoreboards and the large shack needed for storage and headquarters.

The new complex will be a springboard to bring in revenue from the larger tournaments the association strives to host, Healy said.

“Our goal is to have our South Dakota Open, which is the largest tournament in the Midwest, become the gateway for a pro circuit tournament player,” she said. “We plan to grow our lessons and leagues with this facility also. Our programming that we have been operating for Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation for over 40 years is so affordable for all members of the community (and) offers so many opportunities for students to continue on and become instructors all the way through college and beyond.”

Tomar Park, which is at 100 W. Twin Oaks Road — along the Big Sioux River east of Minnesota Avenue, also received a new playground this season as part of the city’s cyclical replacement program.

The city’s broader vision for Tomar Park includes expanded parking, a basketball court and a shelter.

Bids for that work came in high this year, so the plan is to try again in the spring. A ribbon-cutting for the tennis complex is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3.