Roaring Fork Valley Tennis

Where will the new facility be located?

Aspen Golf and Tennis Center, off Highway 82, in Aspen

Why was this location chosen?

This site is easily accessible: Off Highway 82, on the main RFTA bus route and has ample parking. The current facility is under utilized in the winter, providing an ideal opportunity.

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

Proposed programs 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. Rates have not been set, but they will be geared toward local families and individuals.

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 last winter say a public indoor facility is needed.

• High school teams need a place to play.

• Other resort towns, including Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge and Park City have successful, public indoor facilities. Park City has 7 public indoor courts in the winter. Steamboat recently increased their indoor facility from four courts to six.

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

What about the Mid-Valley?

The Friends of Crown Mountain organization is working to propose a bond to build a Mid Valley Recreation Center as a future ballot initiative. Midvalley Indoor Tennis (MVIT) is working with this group in hopes of getting indoor tennis included in one of the phases of this project. This will be a longer process, but  the ultimate goal is to eventually have two compatible facilities to serve the valley's growing tennis demand.

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

For phase I, an air supported structure will be used to seasonally cover 4 existing public courts on the west side of the Aspen Golf and Tennis Center. This is the most economical solution. Furthermore, its temporary nature offers many advantages: 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.

Phase II, includes plans to cover two hard courts in a permanent building in place of court one. This would provide year-round indoor tennis for rainy days and shade seekers while leaving all but one current court available for outdoor use in the summer. We see the combination of a seasonal bubble and a permanent structure as providing ideal flexibility to meet our needs.

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, and public relations.

Donate: Online,  by mail, or in person