Roaring Fork Valley Tennis

Where will the new facility be located?

Snowmass Village Recreation Center Tennis Courts, off Brush Creek Road, behind the rodeo grounds in Snowmass Village

Why was this location chosen?

This site is easily accessible: Off Brush Creek Road, on a main RFTA bus route, at a Snowmass Village Shuttle stop and an Aspen School District bus stop. There is also ample parking. The Recreation center boast the most complete public workout facility in the Valley, a pool, lockers, restrooms and reception area. There are 4 new public hard courts that are currently under utilized in the winter, providing an ideal opportunity.

What programs are planned, how much will they cost and who are they opened to?

Programs may include: Junior introductory, development and tournament training programs, adult clinics, leagues and ladders, Cardio Tennis, private lessons, public court rental, tournaments, summer and holiday camps, special events and socials. The programs and facility will be open to all valley residents and guests. Programs will be run by highly qualified pros, and address a variety of levels and interests. Rates have not been set, but they will be geared toward local families and individuals.

ACE-IT has, and will continue to work closely with the Snowmass Recreation Department to ensure the needs of the tennis community will be met. Your input is encouraged. Feel free to contact us.

Why does the valley need public indoor tennis, and why now?

Tennis is a life-long, social sport that is easy to learn and can be enjoyed at any level. The Roaring Fork Valley needs indoor public tennis now more than ever because:

• Club dues and fees have become out of reach for many local families and individuals.

• Over 275 respondents in our initial survey completed in 2009, say a public indoor facility is needed. The numbers are only growing.

• Tennis is a healthy, social activity for our youth, and is becoming increasingly popular. The Aspen High School boys team has a record 43 participants this year. Many of these teenagers have no place to play in the winter.

• Other resort towns, including Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge and Park City have successful, public indoor facilities. Both locals and guests benefit from this amenity. Park City has 7 public indoor courts in the winter and is in the process of renovating and upgrading their facility. Steamboat recently increased their indoor public facility from four courts to six. These resorts have invested in, and have seen the benefits of public indoor tennis.

• A public facility means members from local clubs can play together with non members—expanding opportunities and building community.

What type of structure will be used, and why was this type chosen?

An air supported structure will be used to seasonally cover existing public courts. This is the most economical solution. Furthermore, its temporary nature offers many advantages: An air supported dome allows for great flexibility. It's size can be easily expanded or reduced. It's location can even be changed if necessary. Because the structure is removed during the summer, it is more energy efficient than a permanent building. No utilities are used during the summer. In the winter, lighting needs are greatly reduced during the day, and solar gain, especially in our climate, reduces heating needs. The ability to remove the structure seasonally means more outdoor courts are available in the summer.

What tax dollars will be used, and why is my contribution necessary?

No additional tax dollars will be use to purchase or operate this facility. With your help, funds to purchase the structure and complete foundation work will be privately raised. No additional tax dollars will be needed for its operation. This is a grassroots effort, with community volunteers donating time, energy and professional expertise to make this a reality.

How can I get involved?

Volunteer. We need help with fund raising, phone calling, administrative work, and public relations.

Pledge a Donation: We are currently taking informal donation pledges so that we will be in a position to raise money quickly once approvals are in place. For more information, or to express interest, please email us at ace-it@rfvtennis.org. Donations will be tax deducatble.

Thank you for your interest in Public indoor tennis!

Donate: Online,  by mail, or in person