About
About Elworthy Community
Our Mission
Elworthy Community is dedicated to transforming Elworthy Field into Michigan's premier public youth tennis venue. We believe that our community's youth deserve world-class facilities that match their dedication and potential.
The Vision
Our $3.75M plan will create a facility that serves multiple purposes:
- Tennis Excellence: State-of-the-art courts for our high school teams and community programs
- Multi-Sport Facility: Supporting tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, baseball, softball communities and vistors to the Rotary Tot Lot
- Community Hub: A gathering place for families, atheletes and sports enthusiasts
- Youth Development: A venue that inspires the next generation of athletes
The Plan
Phase 1: Immediate Improvements (2025)
- LED lighting upgrades for better visibility and safety
- Enhanced branding and wayfinding
- Improved spectator seating
Phase 2: Court Replacement (2026-2027)
- Complete court resurfacing
- Modern playing surfaces
- Professional-grade equipment
Phase 3: Community Building (2027)
- New community center
- Restroom facilities
- Concession area
- Storage and maintenance space
Funding Structure
The $3.75M project is funded through a combination of:
Project Cost Breakdown
- Tennis Court Replacement: $1,900,000 (Phase 1: July 2026)
- Tennis Court Lighting Upgrade: $350,000 (Phase 1: July 2026)
- Water Fountain & Bottle Filling Station: $15,000 (Phase 2: June 2026)
- Tennis Court Seating Improvements: $10,000 (Phase 2: June 2026)
- Signage & Wayfinding Improvements: $10,000 (Phase 2: June 2026)
- Community Building with Restrooms: $1,100,000 (Phase 2: August 2027)
- Additional Platform Tennis Courts: $365,000 (Phase 2: August 2027)
- Total Project Cost: $3,750,000
Funding Sources
- 2025 GPPSS Bond: $2,250,000 (60%)
- Philanthropic Donations: $1,500,000 (40%)
Leadership
Ian Studders
Project Organizer
- Grosse Pointe Park resident of 8 years
- Parent of 3 young children in GPPSS
- Director of Commercial Property Management
- Masters Degree in City Planning
- Successfully partnered with municipalities and foundations to improve public courts throughout Grosse Pointe
Community Impact
The improved Elworthy Field will benefit:
- Grosse Pointe South High School tennis teams
- Youth tennis programs
- Pickleball enthusiasts
- Baseball and softball communities
- Local families and residents
- Community events and tournaments
Get Involved
We need your support to make this vision a reality. There are several ways to get involved:
- Sign Our Petition: Show your support for the project
- Make a Donation: Help us reach our fundraising goals
- Spread the Word: Share our vision with your network
- Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated community members
Timeline
- Spring 2025: GPPSS facility committee review
- May 2025: LED Light Upgrade completion
- August 2025: Bond project finalization
- November 2025: $120M GPPSS Bond Extension vote
- 2026-2027: Construction and implementation
Contact Us
Have questions about the project? Want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us to learn more about how you can support this transformative project.
Stay Updated
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Website & Design Credit
This website and its design were donated by Michael Newman, Grosse Pointe Park resident, to help the project.