ROCKPORT — Midcoast Recreation Center, on Route 90 in Rockport, has been recognized by the United States Tennis Association as the 2017 New England Organization of the Year, as well as the 2017 Indoor Tennis Facility of the Year by the Maine Tennis Association. 

These awards acknowledge MRC’s outstanding facility, programs, and staff as leaders in the tennis community, according to the two organizations. 

One factor in receiving this award, a news release noted, is the recent improvements to the tennis facility include new lighting, wall repairs and resurfacing of all courts. The tennis courts were resurfaced and repainted with a color scheme of purple and green. These are the first purple indoor tennis courts in Maine. The purple courts have a high contrast with the yellow tennis balls making it much easier to see the ball and more fun to play.

Additionally, MRC has expanded its tennis programs to include tennis ladders, triples, junior team tennis and youth instruction. MRC has one of the largest youth tennis development programs in New England, the release noted. 

The youth red ball tennis program is a free program for children ages 6-8 and incorporates a slower red tennis ball, a youth sized racquet and a smaller court, which facilitates longer rallies, easier play and makes it more fun. Also, each new participant in Red Ball receives a youth tennis racquet of their own. Last year, MRC had 460 registrations in the Red Ball program.

“This award is a fantastic achievement and recognition for all the hard work the staff and volunteers have put in over the course of the year,” said Craig Wilson, executive director. “Despite a national trend of reduction in the level of interest in tennis, our facility continues to thrive and add new players and new programs. To be recognized as the best facility in New England says a lot. To beat the hundreds of tennis clubs in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire is quite an accomplishment.”

These awards also recognize the quality staff at MRC including Seth Meyer who has been MRC’s head pro and tennis director for over 13 years leads the tennis instructors. Seth is always on the tennis court and you can find him mornings, evenings and weekends teaching tennis.

A frequent tennis player at MRC, Lesley Arbour, notes: “All the tennis staff are very personable, knowledgeable, and always positive. They are touch with each player’s strengths and weakness and teach accordingly to bring out the best in each player. Classes are challenging and fun which make one want to keep coming back.”     

“We are honored to be recognized by both the USTA and MTA,” Meyer stated. “We will continue to do everything we can to serve our great tennis patrons and the community that surrounds us.”

Established in 2001 with four tennis courts, MRC offers tennis programs and instruction for all ages. Participants range from three years old to 85 years old. MRC caters for various standards, from those interested in serious match play to those happy with just social tennis. MRC aims to promote an environment in which everyone enjoys their tennis at a fantastic location. MRC offers a wide range of programs that include individual lessons, contract time, instructional classes, youth and adult leagues and summer camps.  All program offerings can be found on our web site at www.midcoastrec.org or call MRC at 236-9400.

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.