Proposal would lower tennis fees for out-of-town residents

Non-City residents would see a drop in fees for City tennis services if a recommendation by the City's Recreation Commission is approved.

City Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Glenn Parker said the proposal involves lowering the fees for City tennis lessons and clinics by $5 to $15 for those who reside outside of the City of Aiken for a period of six months. Rates for City residents would stay the same, said Parker.

For instance, a one-hour tennis clinic for an adult would cost $15, instead of the current rate, under the plan. An Advanced Youth Clinic Series would cost $100 instead of the current rate of $115. Parker said the changes were proposed by the commission in an effort to draw those who live outside of the City to the courts. He said when the rates were considered, they were compared to programs in other areas such as in Lexington, Rock Hill and Augusta.

The city recently added several clay courts at the H. Odell Weeks Tennis Center with money from the local option sales tax. Additional parking was also added at the tennis center. Parker said the improvements at the tennis courts have helped to increase memberships, but said most of them have come from people who already reside in the City of Aiken. If approved, the changes will be implemented in January and continue until July.

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com.