OKC’s Earlywine Tennis Center Offers Free Lessons May 19

Oklahoma City’s newly-remodeled Earlywine Tennis Center will offer a free tennis clinic for juniors and adults on Saturday, May 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. The clinic is open to players of all levels ages 6 and over who are looking to jump-start their season, and reservations are required.

The clinic is part of the United States Professional Tennis Association’s (USPTA) “Tennis Across America” program, a nationwide event to increase multicultural participation in the sport at the grassroots level. The goal of the USTPA is to have at least one “Tennis Across America” event in all 50 states.

“This is the perfect event for the novice player,” said Steve Henry, Earlywine’s USPTA pro. “People who’ve never picked up a racket before are encouraged to come out and give tennis a try. Of course, we’ll also have clinics set up for the more advanced players.”

Three other USPTA-certified teaching professionals are volunteering to help with the clinic. They include Vikki Williams, head pro of the Oklahoma City Tennis Center and Gary Trost, head pro of OKC Golf & Country Club and the current President of the Missouri Valley USPTA.

“Tennis offers tremendous physical and mental benefits,” Henry said. “Not only is it a great cardio workout, but is a proven stress-reliever. Aside from that, it’s just fun!”

The Earlywine Tennis Center is located at SW 119, just west of May Avenue. The Center reopened on April 2 after a $75,000 renovation project by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. The Center boasts twelve lighted outdoor courts and an indoor snack and restroom facility with stringing and gripping services.

Summer hours for the tennis center are 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon – 8 p.m. on Sunday. Fees are $4 per hour per court for both singles and doubles. Court times are available by reservation only but walk-ups are welcome when courts are open. For more information about Earlywine Tennis Center or to sign up for the May 19 free clinic, call 691-5430.