The Project
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe
THE NEED
- Erected in 1985, the two current air structures or “bubbles” cover six indoor courts. The average life of these bubbles is 12-15 years. The west bubble is 22 years old and the east is 18. It was originally intended that the bubbles be temporary and that a permanent structure for indoor tennis would be built.
- The bubbles are not energy efficient, which results in high utility costs. A permanent structure would eliminate costly utility expenses associated with heating the bubbles, which have no insulation and require expensive electrical support to keep them inflated 24 hours a day, 12 months a year. Current conditions for indoor play are substandard on any winter day that is below 30 degrees. Lighting is also inadequate.
- A storm event could cause damages where the cost of repair would far exceed the value of the bubbles and prohibit continued operation of indoor tennis at Woods. If the bubbles go down with no plans for replacement, indoor tennis facilities in Lincoln would drop from 16 to 10 courts. The remaining 10 indoor courts are located at private clubs. Year-round tennis would not be available to the community as it is today and likely not at all to persons with limited resources.
- Current indoor court demand at Woods Park Tennis Center far exceeds supply. Participation in junior programs is expanding every year while the adult participation has leveled off due to lack of court availability. A new facility will allow for continued program expansion and would provide more opportunities for new players.
- The current facility does not meet the Americans with Disability Act’s regulations for new construction, limiting access to the growing demand of wheelchair players.
An improved facility is needed to: 1) Continue Woods Park Tennis Center’s comprehensive, inclusive court availability and programming, particularly for traditionally under-represented communities; 2) Host Special Olympics, regional and other adaptive events; 3) Attract regional and national tournaments; 4) Improve heating and cooling efficiency which will maximize usage during extreme cold and hot weather and reduce operating costs. 6) Provide flexible community space and expanded viewing galleries which will provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for all ages to enjoy affordable tennis on a year-round basis.
THE PROJECT
This project will provide many benefits to the community of Lincoln. Specifically, it will include:
1) Replacement of the two existing and outdated bubbles with a permanent steel beam, insulated structure featuring improved lighting as well as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
2) Six new indoor courts.
3) Three additional outdoor courts for a total of 18 lighted courts (6 indoor and 12 outdoor).
4) Upper and lower level gallery viewing spaces for approximately 900 spectators.
5) A flexible community space for mentoring students, off-court training, public meetings, educational sessions and community gatherings, including those for nearby neighborhood associations. The community space can also serve as a revenue-generating space for event rental; and food and beverage sales.
6) Fully accessible facility to accommodate a wide range of players and abilities.
7) Handicapped accessibility to accommodate a growing population of wheelchair players.
8) Expanded locker room space for men and women.
9) Much-needed additional storage areas.
10) An esthetically pleasing improvement to the park which is consistent with the Woods Park Master Plan that was recently updated and approved by the Lincoln City Council.
11) Enhanced landscaping to complement and enhance the grounds around the exterior of the building.
12) Facilities to attract and host Special Olympics, regional and national tournaments, which will benefit the economy of Lincoln.
NOTE: Under the initial construction phase, both bubbles will remain in place during construction, which will allow Woods Park Tennis Center to continue serving youth and adults at full capacity with little or no effect on revenue or staff.
Our long-term vision for Woods Park Tennis Center is to add 4 more indoor courts.