July 23, 2022

Raytown Parks recently held a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the reopening of the Kenagy Tennis Courts, 9608 E 79th Street. The tennis courts were last renovated in 1996.

Raytown Parks was selected as one of 20 recipients of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ 2020 Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 50% matching grant program.

This four-month project started in February and was completed last month. The courts (painted red) will be used as the home courts for Raytown South High School tennis teams, youth & adult tennis lessons, leagues, and open play for tennis and pickleball.

During the ceremony, Parks Director Dave Turner dedicated the courts to long-time employee Ron Fowler for his long-standing dedication to Raytown Parks, his love of tennis and the Adult Tennis League.

“This project could not have been completed with the support of the citizens of Raytown, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, our Parks board, and our Aldermen,” said Turner.

The project is estimated at $450,000, with half of this cost to be matched by the LWCF grant. The renovations included overlay of four tennis courts with post tension concrete. This compressed concrete construction technique increases the lifespan versus the traditional asphalt surface, causing the tennis courts to last for at least 40 years or more.

The LWCF is administered through the Department of Interior via the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, State Parks Division and has funded community projects since 1965.