Tennis buffs anticipate court improvements

Published July 20, 2011
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler tennis enthusiasts can look forward to spruced-up courts on Meadows Drive soon.

"We're resurfacing all but four of the courts, replacing the fencing and putting up new shade canopies over the bleachers," said Maj. John Ponton, new commander of the 81st Force Support Squadron, about the $268,000 project.

"The courts have been in rough shape for a few years, so these repairs will provide our base population improved tennis facilities and expand recreational programming for both adults and children," deputy commander John Thurmon explained.

For the past few years, the Air Force has asked bases to submit fitness enhancement projects for funding.

"We've been fortunate the last three years to get a project each year," Thurmon reported. "We've repaired the restrooms and locker rooms in the Blake Fitness Center and recently received funding for repair of the restrooms and locker rooms at the Triangle and Dragon Fitness Centers and those projects are almost complete."

"We've just received notification that we'll get money to repair I-81," Thurmon added.