The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with a free tennis clinic specifically designed for children aged 12 and under. This is an excellent opportunity for young ones to get a taste of the sport and develop their skills. At 1 p.m., the official ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place, honoring the community members, donors, and sponsors who made this renovation possible. It's a moment of pride for the entire Cheyenne tennis community.
Afternoon activities are equally engaging. A 2 p.m. tennis clinic is dedicated to veterans and active-duty military personnel, showing appreciation for their service. Following that, at 3 p.m., the Red Ball beginner session begins, introducing adults to the exciting world of small-court tennis. The celebration wraps up at 5 p.m. with a family social event that features delicious food and beverages, creating a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie.
The Frontier Park Tennis Center's new community space is a sight to behold during the family social event. It offers a perfect setting for guests to enjoy food, drinks, and the joy of tennis. This space truly embodies the spirit of community and provides a place for people to come together and share their love for the game.
Josh Cossitt, Director of Tennis at Frontier Park Tennis, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "We're thrilled about this project, which reflects over 44 years of commitment to the local tennis community. These courts provide a vibrant indoor space for both training and recreation."
The $110,000 renovation project was made possible through the combined efforts of the Cheyenne Tennis Association and Cheyenne Frontier Days. The Cheyenne Tennis Association raised over $55,000, which was matched by Cheyenne Frontier Days. Additionally, contributions from Wyo Give Day helped fund the installation of permanent court lines, dividers, upgraded lighting, and improved restroom facilities. These improvements have transformed the tennis center into a state-of-the-art facility.
The newly upgraded courts will soon host their first major event, the 28th Annual Pete Cook Thanksgiving Tennis Classic, scheduled for November 22–24. This tournament will feature singles and doubles competitions for men and women in various skill levels, including NTRP divisions ranging from 2.5 to Open. Participants can also compete in mixed doubles categories. Registration closes on November 18, and players can enter up to three events as long as they don't overlap.
Following the Thanksgiving Classic, the Frontier Park Tennis Center will host its Annual Level 5 Christmas Classic from December 20–22. This event will focus on youth tennis, with singles and doubles competitions for age brackets 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. Registration closes on December 15, and the tournament promises to offer competitive play for Cheyenne's young tennis talent.
The Frontier Park Tennis Center is Cheyenne's only indoor tennis facility, offering year-round play and lessons. The weekly sessions are designed to cater to all skill levels:
Red Ball (ages 4–7): Tuesdays and Fridays from 4–4:45 p.m., Saturdays from 9–10 a.m.
Orange Ball (ages 7–10): Tuesdays and Fridays from 5–6 p.m., Saturdays from 10–11 a.m.
Green Ball (ages 10–12): Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Adult Beginner Lessons: Mondays from 7–8 p.m.
Drop-in play is also available for seniors on Mondays and Fridays from 9–10:30 a.m. Members can enjoy this at a fee of $5, while non-members will pay $10. Non-member daily unlimited play fees are $25 per person. Seasonal court reservations can be made for both prime-time and off-peak hours, with rates varying according to time and membership status.
The facility's regular hours are 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The Frontier Park Tennis Center serves as a winter training hub for local high school teams and welcomes players of all ages to participate in lessons, clinics, and tournaments. The newly renovated courts feature a meta-flex surface that is joint-friendly, ensuring an optimal experience for both competitive and recreational play. According to Cossitt, the new surface significantly slows down the courts compared to the old worn ones, enhancing the playing experience.
For more information about memberships, court reservations, or upcoming events, visit frontierparktennis.com or call 307-778-7280.
A basket of tennis balls sits ready for play as Cheyenne residents explore the upgraded courts during the grand opening of the Frontier Park Family Tennis Center. This is a sign of the exciting times ahead for the tennis community in Cheyenne.