June 4, 2025 3;20 a.m.
Roseburg’s outdoor tennis and pickleball courts are closed for a complete overhaul that is much anticipated by the community.
A city release said the $2.5 million renovation will deliver eight new tennis courts, ten dedicated pickleball courts and new fencing, lighting, seating, entryway and security system to Stewart Park by this fall and will result in increased tournament play for the region.
The project is being made possible thanks to a $750,000 state grant won by Roseburg Parks and Recreation Program Manager Val Ligon, $523,000 in city funds, and $1.1 million in matching community funds raised by the nonprofit Umpqua Valley Tennis Center.
The tennis courts are more than half a century old yet remain popular with players of all ages and serve as the Roseburg High School tennis team’s home courts.
Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx said, “It’s really been a long-needed project for the youth, as well as the adults”. Herinckx said, “This project wouldn’t have happened without the tennis center’s fundraising efforts”.
The existing courts closed on May 20th, after the end of Roseburg High School’s tennis season.
The release said the grant is one of the biggest ever won by Roseburg Parks and Recreation. The money from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Local Government Grant Program, which is funded by the Oregon State Lottery, will be used to replace the courts that are owned by the city, but operated and maintained by the tennis center.
The project will revamp low-cost courts where adults pay just $2 a day for unlimited play and anyone age 18 and under always plays for free. Prices will remain the same.
The refurnished facility will include all-weather courts covered with a more permeable, premium Plexpave surface, energy efficient LED lighting for night games and tournaments, new nets and posts, a hitting wall, black vinyl perimeter fencing and improved seating. A drinking foundation will be added.
Roseburg engineering firm i.e.Engineering, designed the project and is assisting with construction management. The contractor is JRT Construction of Oakland. Remaining demolition is expected to begin next Monday, June 9th, followed by construction. Completion is currently expected to be near the beginning of October.
Tennis and pickleball tournaments are already scheduled for next spring.