Summer Tennis Programs Looking for a Rally

Facing a variety of challenges, kids of all ages learn how to serve, volley, and rally through summer tennis classes offered by the Melrose Recreation Department. However, this summer, the program is facing a bigger challenge: enrollment.

"Tennis [enrollment] is down, which is the most surprising thing," said Frank Olivieri, the city's Recreation Manager. "If we can't run a program, we try to work kids into another group."

Approximately 108 kids and teens are currently enrolled in tennis programs for the summer. Last year, 131 kids and teens enrolled in classes. There are nine different programs offered for children and teens, as well as a program geared for adults. The programs are led by tennis professional James Renier, who has directed the tennis program in Melrose for the past four years. Renier previously ran a tennis school in Vienna, Austria and has 33 years of teaching experience.

"[Enrollment] is down from the year before, but we've heard nothing but praise for last year's program," Renier said. "I've never seen a program work so quickly [to teach kids]. It's almost like magic."

Renier teaches kids and adults using the U.S. Tennis Association's QuickStart program. Renier said the benefit of QuickStart is that participants learn by playing and simulating game-like situations. Renier also encourages players to learn from one another. He said he wasn't discouraged by enrollment numbers so far, because he sees "a lot of bright new faces" in the program. 

Renier's goal is to make sure that Melrose has "a truly professional program." He said tennis is actually a pretty inexpensive sport, especially in a place like Melrose, where public courts are regularly maintained. 

"Tennis balls are cheaper than golf balls, and you can get a pretty good racquet for about $50 to $60," he said. He encouraged any interested parents to look into second session tennis lessons, which begin in about three weeks.

"It's probably one of the best programs we run," Olivieri said. "We didn't have the economy to deal with last year."

Economic challenges will not keep the tennis program from operating this year — it has been a steady source of income for several years for the Recreation Department. Olivieri said the goal of the Recreation Department is to be self-sufficient as much as possible.  Revenue from the tennis program could help cover shortfalls with other classes.

"We made well over $6,000 on tennis programs in the past," Olivieri said.

For more information about the city's summer tennis program, call 781-662-9511 or e-mail recreation@cityofmelrose.org.