Jamestown Parks and Recreation Tennis Initiatives
JAMESTOWN, June 26 — Kelsey Hoium-Johnson, the new manager overseeing programs and special events for Jamestown Parks and Recreation, is on a mission to boost enthusiasm for tennis in the community. “I would love to see more interest in tennis; it’s a really fun sport,” she expressed, showcasing her passion for the game.
Youth Tennis Lessons
To cultivate this interest, the Jamestown Parks and Recreation District has introduced youth tennis lessons this summer. Designed for beginners, these sessions aim to teach the basics in an enjoyable atmosphere, while also providing skill-enhancing opportunities for more experienced players.
The schedule has specific time slots for different age groups: children aged 5 to 7 participate from 9 to 9:50 a.m., followed by 8 to 10-year-olds who take the court at 10 a.m. Each session lasts for 50 minutes from Monday to Thursday, culminating in a novice tournament on the final day. Following this, lessons for 11- and 12-year-olds take place from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., and older players aged 13 to 18 have their session afterwards.
Currently, the June program runs until June 26, with the next set of lessons scheduled to kick off from July 7 to July 31. Hoium-Johnson noted that the youth tennis offerings are generating significant enthusiasm within the community. Additionally, in June, Jamestown Parks and Recreation hosted Parent and Tot sessions aimed at introducing tennis fundamentals to children aged 4 and 5.
Personal Connection to Tennis
Tennis holds a personal significance for Hoium-Johnson, as she has fond memories of watching the sport with her father during her upbringing. She emphasizes that tennis transcends mere physical activity; it fosters lifelong engagement and enjoyment outside.
Coaching and Adult Programs
While Hoium-Johnson isn’t directly coaching at the moment, she has a dedicated team of six coaches, most of whom are involved in teaching the youth and Parent and Tot programs. One coach is specifically assigned to the adult tennis lessons, which have seen a lower turnout. Despite this, the department is exploring various scheduling options to attract adults to tennis, including potential leagues for both doubles and singles play.
Upcoming Events
Further demonstrating the effort to engage all age groups, a Quick Start Tennis Tournament is scheduled for June 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This event invites children to interact with coaches through games and prizes, providing a casual environment for anyone, regardless of age or skill level, to try tennis for the first time.
Hoium-Johnson and her team continue to work on making tennis an exciting choice for everyone in Jamestown.
