Good Sports: Roeding Park Tennis Club An essential in the center of Fresno

Fresno, California (KFSN) – For almost a century, Roeding Park Tennis Club has been a must in the center of Fresno.

“Tennis Roeding Park for many people is really a family,” says Tom Haverty.

For members like Haverty and Camilla Sutherland, it has been a way of life for decades.

“I started at the age of 12 – I played my very first tennis tournament here in Roeding Park,” said Sutherland.

“I was released here in the early 1970s as a child,” said Haverty.

Thanks to a sales tax measure P, the 11 tennis courts have been redone on the surface in the past year.

“These are the best courts in the city without a doubt,” said Haverty.

“These are one of the best courts in the city, and perhaps even in the state,” said Adam Balakian.

While Sutherland generally plays in the morning, another member, Drexler Dy, developed the idea of ​​a free community tennis evening on Tuesday.

“The first time I started was the last second and there was no one,” he said.

A former college player who became a coach, Dy started to pass the word in October.

With the help of members like Balakian, these figures have gone from a few to dozens of new members.

“The potential is just something unexploited, and that’s all this place,” said Dy.

“I think it’s just a very good opportunity for people in the community to play tennis and have fun,” said Balakian.

In February, a fire burned the club’s storage unit, destroying the snowshoes, balls and club tables.

“Everything we had there was destroyed,” said Haverty. “We had to remove it.”

Thanks to a small donation campaign, the club slowly started to bring the pieces together.

“Much of this was that we had a lot of opportunities to rebuild and strengthen our group,” said Balakian.

While the rebuilt club, members like Haverty also hope to develop with a possible clubhouse on its list of wishes. This would require the approval of the city.

Regardless of your age or level of competence, the club extends an open invitation.

“Come and join us,” said Sutherland.

For sports updates, follow Alec Nolan on Facebook,, Twitter And Instagram.