Atlanta tennis courts move to private contractor; reopen Fridays

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By Katie Leslie

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Facing budget cuts, the Atlanta City Council has authorized a private company to take over management of the city's five tennis courts.

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Universal Tennis Management will take over the tennis centers, including the Sharon E. Lester Tennis Center in Piedmont Park, Washington Park Tennis Center in Washington Park, Chastain Park Tennis Center in Chastain Park, Bitsy Grant Tennis Center in Atlanta Memorial Park and the McGhee Tennis Center in John A. White Park, according to a press release.

The move also means that within the next three months, the tennis centers will reopen on Fridays and will offer additional services, such as programs for seniors and those with special needs. UTM will charge fees for those services, according to the release. However, court and lesson fees will remain the same unless UTM receives approval from the city council, City of Atlanta Spokeswoman Cathering Woodling said.

Universal Tennis Management, which also operates as Universal Tennis Academy, has a contract with the city for five years with two, two-year renewal options, according to the release.