A new platform tennis court is coming to Cleveland’s Flats

CLEVELAND Construction of a new sports complex is underway here in Cleveland. The facility is for everyone, but it is built for a sport that many have not tried.

“We think homes are the ideal place to make this easier,” said Sean Richardson, Cleveland Platform Tennis Foundation.

And this “facility” is the Flats Platform tennis center.

Level this “paddle tennis” was invented as early as 1928 and is played on a smaller elevated field enclosed in a wire cage.

Doubles or doubles can join together and keep the score in the same way as in tennis.

“It’s about growing the game that we all love and making it even more accessible to potential players,” Richardson said of the mission behind the center.

The Platform Tennis Foundation hopes to double an estimated 800 local players by building closer to the center – right on the grounds of Merwin’s Wharf, the towing trail and the Cleveland Rowing Foundation.

The center has four public outdoor spaces.

Platform tennis courts are scarce, especially open to all.

“Anyone with any kind of racket background comes into the game very naturally. They become addicted like all of us,” Richardson said.

Platform Tennis has weather conditions, and there is a heating element under the floor of the court that keeps the playing surface warm. A warming cottage will also help in some of those colder months.

“Because we’re on the move so much, you stay warm when it’s 15 or 20 degrees outside,” Richardson said.

That warming center also serves another purpose.

It serves as a double classroom for the foundation’s mentoring program – revealing to the game high school and high school students as well as coaching and life skills.

The opening day of the center is expected sometime this fall.

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