Thursday, July 16, 2009

Las Vegas, NV--Everyone with Internet access can help Las Vegas win $100,000 for community tennis programs and the honor of being named Best Tennis Town 2009 by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). On July 15, Las Vegas was named a finalist in the Best Tennis Town Contest by USTA. The ten finalists include:

Baton Rouge, La.                                Cary, N.C.
Grand Junction, Colo.                   Hickory, N.C.
Independence, Kan.                              Las Vegas, Nev.
Midland, Mich.                          Ojai, Calif.
Springfield, Mo.                                Tempe, Ariz.

"We encourage everyone to vote for Las Vegas, and to help us spread the word," said Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. "Nationwide voting will be open July 16-26. Supporters can view our community video submission and participate in the online vote by visiting www.besttennistown.com."

The top three finalists, as determined by nationwide voting, will be announced on July 27. The second-place prize is $50,000; third place wins $25,000 – both to be used for community-wide programming or facility enhancements that the entrants endorse, as approved by USTA. The seven remaining finalists each will receive a $2,000 tennis equipment package to be used for increasing community-wide tennis programming. The top three winners will be announced at presentations during the 2009 U.S. Open in New York City, between Aug. 31 and Sept. 13.

Best Tennis Town 2009 is the USTA's first nationwide initiative to find the city that best exemplifies the passion, excitement, spirit and impact that tennis brings to the community. The search began on May 11, and 56 towns and cities across the country submitted entries in hopes of claiming the title of "Best Tennis Town."

All contest entries were evaluated on the following criteria:

1.) The level of passion and spirit and the impact of tennis displayed in the community's video (50 percent). (The video for Las Vegas was put together by staff at KCLV Channel 2).

2.) The creativity and originality displayed in the community's video (20 percent).

3.) The level of passion and support for tennis described in the community's five letters (15 percent).

4.) The level of collaboration and partnership surrounding tennis in the community (5 percent). This includes evidence of community partners working together to support, improve and expand the quality of life in the community through tennis (parks, schools, community tennis associations, private businesses, local government, etc.).

5.) The quality of tennis programming in the community, including the programs available to all ages and skill levels and outreach to under-served populations (5 percent).

6.) The thoroughness and level of detail of the responses provided on the nomination form (5 percent).

Tennis is offered at many of the city's parks and recreation centers. The city of Las Vegas' main tennis facility, the Amanda & Stacy Darling Memorial Tennis Center, is located at 7901 W. Washington Ave., between Buffalo and Durango Drives. The tennis center is the state's largest public outdoor tennis facility, with 23 lighted courts, the central Ronald C. Darling Stadium Court with seating, locker rooms with showers, meeting rooms, offices, restrooms and a pro shop on approximately 11 acres in the Charlie Kellogg and Joe Zaher Sports Complex and park. The center, which opened in September 2005, provides a comprehensive array of tennis programs, events and services for beginners through advanced players. For more information on the center, go online to www.darlingtenniscenter.net, or call (702) 229-2100. For locations of other city parks and facilities, go online to www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Find/parks_facilities.asp or call (702) 229-6718.

For more information on voting and the contest, go online to www.besttennistown.com.

-City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation-