The USTA Florida Section and the City of Gainesville are pleased to announce that coordinated tennis play will be permitted at Play Tennis Gainesville’s public tennis sites beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, as part of a phased-in strategy.
This phased resumption of play includes safe play guidelines that aim to protect players against the risk of COVID-19 virus transmission or infection.
Phase I – Limited court availability with restrictions, social distancing and safe play guidelines implemented, no gathering after play. No co-mingling of groups, players.
Phase II – Implemented if Phase I is successful and proves safe for players and staff. The facility will be evaluated for access to courts, some ease of designated restrictions possible.
Phase III – Implemented if Phase II is successful and proves safe for players and staff. Further lifting of most restrictions, safety guidelines will continue as specified at that time.
“Tennis is an excellent activity for families and individuals to stay healthy and active, and with some modifications we can ensure proper social distancing,” said Laura Bowen, Executive Director of USTA Florida. “We look forward to reconnecting with our players and continuing to serve this community as we return to play.”
Play Tennis Gainesville’s public tennis sites will reopen under Phase I on Monday, May 18. All players will be expected to observe the following Safe Play Guidelines:
- Practice social distancing by keeping a minimum of 6 feet apart
- Reserve/pay for courts online only, no more than one day in advance, prior to play. Court restrictions apply.
- Singles play ONLY (2 players per court)
- Use new tennis balls with your initials
- Arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to play
- Go directly to pre-approved court upon arrival
- Bring your own hand sanitizer, wipes, water bottle and towel
- Bring your own portable chair as facility seating will be limited
- Do not share equipment or personal items
- Clean and wipe down equipment after play
- If you feel ill, you are advised to stay home
During this time, the facility’s tennis shop will remain closed. Only online court reservations will be accepted. With limited court availability and restrictions, all players will be required to make court reservations and payments online at www.PlayTennisGainesville.com or through the free TennisDirector app. The Head Pro will be on site to monitor safe play procedures and make sure online reservations are honored.
USTA Florida reserves the right to ask a player to leave the facility if not observing the Safe Play Guidelines, which will be posted on-site. These protocols have been carefully developed to ensure compliance with state and local public health requirements. While following measures such as these will ensure that the risk from COVID-19 is minimized, the guidelines are clear that the risk cannot be eliminated altogether.
For more information pertaining to the phased resumption of play, please visit www.USTAFlorida.com/coronavirus or www.PlayTennisGainesville.com.
ABOUT USTA FLORIDA TENNIS MANAGEMENT
The USTA Florida Board of Directors in 2017 unanimously approved the creation of a new Tennis Management Division to promote and develop tennis in Florida. USTA Florida Tennis Management delivers high-quality tennis programs, teaching pros and management, utilizing USTA networks and partnerships to ensure tennis grows in local communities for all ages and demographics. USTA Florida Tennis Management is raising the standards for tennis programming and facility management across the state of Florida. For more information, please visit www.USTAFlorida.com/tennismanagement.