Working together to create high-quality playgrounds, fields and courts for our tennis community
With your help, we can transform Elworthy Field
Current Condition
Cracked courts, broken court lighting, no restrooms or water fountain
Our Plan
Community Building with Restrooms, New Tennis Courts/Lighting, Additional Platform Tennis Courts
Our $3.75M Plan
Project Cost Breakdown
| Project | Est. Cost | Funding Source | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis Court Replacement: 10 Post-Tensioned Concrete Courts & Fencing. |
$1,900,000 | 2025 GPPSS Bond (Approved) | Phase 1: July 2026 |
| Tennis Court Lighting Upgrade: New poles and LED light fixtures for 10 Courts. |
$350,000 | 2025 GPPSS Bond (Approved) | Phase 1: July 2026 |
| Water Fountain & Bottle Filling Station: New Fixture & Location at Rotary Tot Lot. |
$15,000 | Philanthropic Donations | Phase 2: June 2026 |
| Tennis Court Seating Improvements: Remove old seating, add bleachers & benches. |
$10,000 | Philanthropic Donations | Phase 2: June 2026 |
| Signage & Wayfinding Improvements: Court & directional signage, bulletin boards. |
$10,000 | Philanthropic Donations | Phase 2: June 2026 |
| Constructing a Community Building w/ Restrooms | $1,100,000 | Philanthropic Donations | Phase 2: August 2027 |
| Constructing 2 Additional Platform Tennis Courts (Multi-purpose courts) | $365,000 | Philanthropic Donations | Phase 2: August 2027 |
| Plan Total | $3,750,000 | 2025-2027 | |
Funding Sources
- GPPSS Contribution - via proposed 2025 Bond $2,250,000
- Philanthropic Contributions - via foundations and individual donors $1,500,000
Transparent. Impactful. Achievable.
Learn how your donation builds a better Grosse Pointe.
Learn More About Our PlanNext Steps: Making Elworthy a Top‑Tier Park
With the Grosse Pointe Public Schools Bond approved, we're ready to build on this momentum and extend the impact for generations to come.
Over the coming months, we'll partner with GPPSS, the City, and community stakeholders to:
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Finalize designs and engineering for the new courts and lighting.
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Coordinate construction timelines to minimize disruption and target opening dates in 2026.
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Leverage philanthropy to extend the impact: community building with restrooms, improved seating, water access, signage, and two multi‑purpose platform courts.
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Engage residents through open houses and updates so the finished park reflects our shared vision.
Elworthy belongs to all of us
Tennis, tot lot, paddle, soccer, and baseball families. Let's come together.
Read about our plans for soccer-related upgrades.
Where Are We Now?
Spring 2025
GPPSS admin and school board's facility committee work with consultants to identify bond projects. Community fundraising efforts begin for the community building and additional facilities.
August 2025
Bond projects and language finalized and submitted to Wayne County Clerk. Initial architectural plans for community building begin development.
November 4, 2025
Bond approved by voters — funding secured for Elworthy court reconstruction and lighting. Community fundraising continues to extend impact with a community building and additional amenities.
Spring 2026
Construction begins on new tennis courts and lighting upgrades, funded by the GPPSS bond. Final architectural plans for community building submitted to City and GPPSS for approval.
Summer 2026
Completion of tennis court improvements. Community fundraising campaign concludes for building and additional facilities. Final approval process for community building begins.
2027
Construction of community building and additional platform tennis courts begins, with completion targeted for late 2027.
About the Organizer: Ian Studders
"This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build something meaningful."
Grosse Pointe Park resident of 8 years with 3 young children who will go through GPPSS. I'm committed long-term to our community.
Director of Commercial Property Management with a Masters Degree in City Planning. I've already successfully partnered with municipalities, foundations, and vendors to improve public courts throughout Grosse Pointe.
Latest Updates
Excitement, Progress, and the Path to Victory for Elworthy Tennis!
Excitement, Progress, and the Path to Victory for Elworthy Tennis!
We have some fantastic news to share about Elworthy Tennis! The Bond Advisory Committee has unanimously approved $2.25 million to renovate the tennis courts and landscaping as part of the upcoming November 2025 bond proposal. This is a huge …
Read moreJoin the Movement
This is a generational opportunity to transform Elworthy Field. Together, we can create a world-class facility for our youth and community.
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