FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Recreation Facilities Undergo Upgrades

Updated Courts Add New and Improved Options for Summer Activities

ROCHESTER — Residents now have an opportunity to play tennis and basketball at upgraded facilities in Rochester.

The outdoor tennis courts behind the Community Center now feature lights that will extend the court’s operating hours, while the basketball court at the Hanson Pines playground is newly renovated and open to players of all ages.

Adding lights to the tennis courts closely aligned with the feedback the Community Development Division had received from residents, who were seeking more recreation opportunities. The city’s federal Community Development Block Grant provided $122,877 to fund the lighting project, which will now allow the tennis facilities to remain open until 11 p.m. each night between April 1 and Oct. 31.

Rochester Recreation worked closely with the Department of Public Works’ Buildings and Grounds Division to complete both projects. DPW partnered with Progressive Electrical Services on the lighting project, resulting in the installation of high quality and energy efficient bulbs that provide equal light across the entirety of the courts.

At Hanson Pines, DPW conducted extensive work to expand the basketball courts, adding a second full court where two half courts had been located before. In addition, four new backboards, hoops and nets were installed along with fencing meant to prevent snowmobiles from traveling across the courts during the winter months. Finally, the existing full court had cracks and imperfections filled and sealed, while new lines were painted on both courts.

“Our mission at Rochester Recreation & Arena is to provide programs, services and facilities that promote a healthy lifestyle and foster meaningful community connections, and improvements like the ones at the tennis and basketball courts make them stronger community assets,” Rochester Recreation & Arena Director Chris Bowlen said. “The enhancements to the tennis courts and basketball courts also help to further define the campus of Spaulding High School, the Community Center and  the Dominicus Hanson Pines as a recreation destination.”

The improved tennis and basketball courts are part of a larger effort by Rochester Recreation to provide residents with diverse activities that allow them to get active, engage with one another and build new and lasting relationships — especially during the summer months.

Residents are encouraged to utilize these outdoor facilities by dropping in on their own or checking out one of Rec’s scheduled programs, including Public Swim, Pickleball, Swim Lessons or a guided group hike, “Hiking With Heather.” Information on all of these programs as well as more outdoor recreation facilities in Rochester can be found online at www.RochesterRec.com.

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