Tucson, AZ. WPH Press, 6/13/19- The Tucson handball community and the World Players of Handball have finalized plans with the City of Tucson’s Parks and Recreation Department on a project to convert five existing 4-Wall outdoor courts to 3-Wall. The existing courts are part of an underutilized 10-court facility in the geographic center of a community of approximately one million citizens. The goal of the planned improvements will be to not only increase access and utilization of the complex for the Tucson community, including youth handball development programs, but also provide additional tournament capacity for both small and big ball handball events.
The sketch illustrates the intended scope of the renovations. The intention is primarily to convert the five existing south facing courts from 4-Wall (enclosed) to 3-Wall (open in rear) by removing the back panels and adding additional concrete flooring/slab beyond the current back walls. Fencing and lighting improvements will be included to create a protected and safe area of play. Just outside the playable area, there will be a shade structure and room for bleachers within a beautiful grassy area, which will also provide space for picnics and barbecues, etc.
This is a terrific location in the northeast corner of Tucson’s principal mid-town park and golf/tennis/recreation center complex. The location is ideal for both casual and tournament play, given the proximity of supporting commercial, retail, and lodging – as well as the availability of access via the public transportation system. The project renovations are set to be completed during the fall of 2019.
The WPH is a 501C-3 headquartered in Tucson and runs a pro tour, which attracts players/participants both nationally and internationally. In addition to the WPH, there are two other cooperating handball organizations also located in Tucson, including: the United States Handball Association (USHA) – which administers amateur tournaments across the USA; and the Fred Lewis Foundation (which provides a development program for Tucson youth utilizing handball).
“The project is signed, sealed, and delivered, and we could not be more excited about it,” beamed WPH board members and co-project engineer Benny Young.
“We’ve been kicking around this idea for 10 years and in the past year the project started to come together,” stated WPH board member and co-project engineer Jeff Healam. “We’ve assembled a fantastic team to start the project right around Labor Day, and while no project is flawless, we expect this one to be close to it. These 3-Wall courts are going to provide our community with world-class 3-Wall courts and an incredible facility for juniors and Tucsonans to play handball. We’re going to have a barbeque pit and a grass area for fans, making this complex one of the most attractive handball destinations in the country.”
“We believe this park will be one of the most impactful initiatives we’ve seen in Tucson since Carl Porter’s group built the TAC and brought the USHA Hall of Fame to town, as it will play host to junior clinics, junior handball teams, and mega 3 – Wall tournaments–All open to the general public!” Stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The Randolph Recreation Center 3-Wall Court Complex will be a spectacular 3-Wall court complex in central Tucson that will sit less than a half a mile from the Tucson Zoo, Randolph Golf Courses, and Hi Corbett Field and just two miles from the University of Arizona in central Tucson, accessible to thousands of potential new players. We cannot wait!”
In order to provide sufficient funds for the improvements, we are requesting that our members/friends and the larger handball community consider contributing toward the associated costs. All donations will be tax deductible and greatly appreciated.
Direct link using funds from your Established PayPal Account: Paypal.me/randolph3wall
Direct Link for All Major Credit Cards: https://bit.ly/2L5oNC0
