Kentucky.gov

Department of Parks
Tennis Courts Renovated At Kentucky State Parks

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Parks are giving guests another reason to get healthy. Tennis courts at six parks have recently been renovated and another four are scheduled to be improved by the end of July.

The improved surfaces and nets should make the courts more attractive to experienced players as well as beginners, said Cathy Clark, a recreation specialist who manages the indoor tennis courts at Kenlake State Park in Western Kentucky at Hardin.

“Tennis really does promote health and fitness,” said Clark. “It helps you get in shape. You’re getting exercise and you’re having fun doing it.”

The month of May is Tennis Month in Kentucky. Playing tennis is also an excellent activity that can be part of Governor Ernie Fletcher’s “Get Healthy Kentucky” wellness initiative, which promotes physical fitness, healthy eating and avoiding tobacco products.

“In our efforts to overhaul the way Kentucky views health and wellness, we are stressing the importance of regular physical activity,” said Chris L. Corbin, executive director of Get Healthy Kentucky. “We encourage our members to select activities that are fun, effective and easy to stick to. Adopting one of these activities, like tennis, as a regular part of your life will have a lasting, positive impact on your health.”

Get Healthy Kentucky, www.gethealthy.ky.gov, is a comprehensive wellness initiative designed by Governor Fletcher as a tool to improve the health status of Kentucky. The program employs targeted initiatives that emphasize prevention of degenerative diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer and frequently partners with organizations that promote health and physical activity throughout Kentucky, such as the Bluegrass State Games and the United States Tennis Association.

Corbin strongly encourages Kentuckians to take advantage of the newly renovated tennis courts. “There is no better venue to enjoy a game of tennis than one of our beautiful state parks,” said Corbin.

The parks that have had tennis courts recently renovated include both indoor and outdoor courts at Kenlake; and outdoor courts at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park at Greenup, Rough River Dam State Resort Park at Falls of Rough, Lake Barkley State Resort Park near Cadiz, General Butler State Resort Park at Carrollton and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park near Dawson Springs.

Those parks with tennis courts scheduled to be renovated include Barren River State Resort Park at Lucas, My Old Kentucky Home State Park at Bardstown, Big Bone Lick State Park at Union and Kincaid Lake State Park at Falmouth.

Most parks offer rackets and tennis balls to guests.

Kenlake will start offering tennis lessons for $3 on Wednesday nights in June at 7 p.m. at the tennis center (outdoor courts.) Call 270-474-2211 for information.

The improvements at the tennis courts are part of a $2 million upgrade for recreation facilities during the last two years. This includes new playgrounds, disc golf courses, six refurbished mini-golf courses, ADA chairlifts at all lodge pools, new backpacking equipment, and new paddleboats and canoes.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

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