Garber Courts in Saginaw was recognized by the United States Tennis Association, receiving the 2023 annual Outstanding Facility Award. The prestigious award recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country.
Originally built 1946, the Foundation recently completed a full rebuild of the courts and main building for a total investment of 2 Million dollars. The facility now provides a number of amenities to the community including backboards, a viewing patio, a pro shop and community gathering space. The Garber Courts are managed by the Urban Racquet Sports Foundation, who is also missioned to reach and mentor underserved city youth there and at other venues, while providing vastly improved recreational and exercise opportunity for the adult community.
“Great tennis facilities like the Garber Courts help us to grow the game at the grassroots level, and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “Garber Courts has embraced many of our tennis initiatives and kept the sport at the forefront of its community each year.”
Facilities were judged on the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services and social areas; and the facilities’ participation in grassroots tennis programs.
The USTA held a special award ceremony for Urban Racquet Sports Foundation on opening day of the US Open in Flushing Meadows, NY. They will receive a wall plaque and an all-weather sign, which can be mounted at the facility.
The Foundation is also a chapter of the USTA’s Community Tennis Association and National Junior Tennis & Learning network.
