Former Springfield Olympian supports Forest Park tennis courts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A local Olympic medalist will be in Springfield this weekend to help support the Forest Park tennis courts. This is a step in raising money and helping maintain the clay courts for future generations.

Former professional tennis player and Springfield native, Tim Mayotte is expected to be in Springfield Sunday, for the highly anticipated ‘Play the Clay’ fundraiser. Mayotte is working with the Springfield Tennis Club to raise $25,000 to help restore the historic red clay courts within Forest Park.

“It’ll just be great to see a community get together, it’s amazing we’re able to play on these courts,” said Springfield Tennis Club member, Mary Grace Martin.

“They’re such a treasure here in Springfield, it’s very unique to find clay courts at a public park so we’re happy to come out and support it in any way we can,” added Springfield Tennis Club member, Barbara Footit.

Springfield Tennis Club players are hoping to see a new irrigation and drainage system be put in to keep the courts playable and healthy. The club will also be among many participating in competitive games throughout the day. But before the games begin there will be a free kids clinic, where kids have the chance to learn from tennis pros like Olympic medalist Tim Mayotte.

“For a guy who grew up a mile and a half away it wasn’t a long way for him to go and practice but he was here all the time and it shows persistence and hard work pay off,” said Focus Springfield Executive Director, Stephen Cray.

“There’s history here, and we got a part to play in here in making sure we maintain that so we are looking to the event on Sunday. It’s going to be great,” expressed Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Director, Tom Ashe.

The event will conclude with an award ceremony inside Forest Park’s Carriage House. It will honor city officials for their contributions to the growth and development of tennis in western Massachusetts.

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