Gadsden State, City of Gadsden Break Ground on New Tennis Center

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Pictured from left to right: Dean Derrick Griffey, Dean Andy Robertson, Dean Andy Green, President Alan Smith, Mayor Craig Ford, Athletic Director Dr. Blake Lewis, Dean Dana Davis, Executive Vice President Tera Simmons, and Dean Joey Battles.

Gadsden, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College and the City of Gadsden celebrated another investment in the Gadsden Sports Park on Aug. 20 with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new ten-court tennis center.

The new tennis center is the latest addition to the Sports Park, continuing a partnership between Gadsden State and the City of Gadsden to develop athletic facilities that serve both the College and the greater Gadsden community.

“This project is another great example of what can happen when we work together to invest in our students and our community,” said Alan Smith, president of Gadsden State. “These courts will provide an outstanding home for our student-athletes while also creating a resource that can be enjoyed by the community. We are grateful to the City of Gadsden, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), and all of our partners who continue to invest in this campus and in the future of our region.”

The tennis center will feature ten new courts at the Gadsden Sports Park, located behind Gadsden State’s Wallace Drive Campus along the Coosa River.

The project builds on recent efforts by Gadsden State and the City of Gadsden to expand and improve the Sports Park and strengthen its role as a regional destination for athletics and recreation.

“The City of Gadsden and Gadsden State have had a fantastic partnership for years, and this Gadsden Sports Park project is just a continuation of that,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Gadsden State, and the college has been crucial in improving the lives of Gadsden residents and helping recruit industry to the city. I want to thank President Alan Smith and the Gadsden State staff, Chancellor Jimmy Baker and the Alabama Community College System, our city employees, the contractors and everyone else involved in making this state-of-the-art facility possible.”

Representatives from Gadsden State, the City of Gadsden and the Alabama Community College System participated in the Aug. 20 ceremony. Speakers included Gadsden State President Alan Smith; Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford; Heath Williamson, director of engineering for the City of Gadsden; Mark Salmon, chief facilities officer for the Alabama Community College System; and representatives from Milam & Co. and Chambless King Architects.

Following remarks, representatives gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking.

“This facility represents more than new tennis courts. It represents another shared investment in Gadsden,” Smith said. “Partnerships like this allow us to create opportunities that extend beyond our campuses and reinforce Gadsden State’s commitment to being A College for the Community.”

 

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