He built it, and they're coming.
What were once two rundown courts full of cracks and surrounded by weeds have become a dream realized by Bob Phelps, the tennis director for the local Boys and Girls Clubs. He had a vision to turn the courts into a place where youth can play tennis in Carson City.
The courts have been transformed and been used for the past two years. The courts between Roop and Stewart Streets near the Boys and Girls Clubs have been used by youth and adults in the community.
Phelps said the project is two-thirds complete and that he hopes the entire project will be completed in the next three months. So far what has been completed is the renovation of the two tennis courts, a one-eighth mile jogging track and a rundown dairy barn that has been converted into an indoor tennis facility, which can be used for youth clinics.
The transformation has been seen over the years by those who drive by on Roop. "It was an eyesore from Roop Street," said Phelps before the renovation.
The courts have become a popular place for those driving by who have seen the renovation. While youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs receive first priority, those from the community are also allowed to use the courts for a donation.
"People tell me they're the best playing courts in Northern Nevada," Phelps said. "It plays real well."
There was plenty of support to make the project possible. "We've had all kinds of donations from all kinds of people," Phelps said.
Among those who provided labor free of charge for the project were inmates from the Nevada Division of Forestry. The long list of others who donated to the project includes:
Plexipave System; Zaino Tennis Courts; Granite Construction; Marv McQueary Excavating; Northern California United States Tennis Association; Capital City Concrete; The Court Works, Tennis Court Equipment; Carson City Parks and Recreation; Sierra Pacific Power; Carson City Streets Department; Ormsby House; Carson City Environmental Health Department; United Rentals; Lowe's Hardware.
Dulux Paint Center; Carson Tennis Club; Wal-Mart; K-Mart; Capital Glass; John Anderson Construction; Michael Stocke; The Fubntes II and Family; Lou Vanderlinden; Beulah and Forrest Smotherman; Bob Haley; Hal Sandefer; Jeff Hiller; Ron Mogab; Bill Webb; Fastsigns; Metcalf Property Maintenance.