At the Greenville Area Community Tennis Association’s end-of-the summer awards Monday night, Mayor Dexter McLendon made an announcement concerning Greenville’s tennis courts.

“Our plan is to put some new tennis courts at the YMCA — six of them, if not more,” McLendon said.

McLendon was addressing GACTA members and their families about the state of the city’s courts, which are in need of renovation.

“The city is committed to doing everything we can about the courts,” he said.

Helping the city out is Carole Wright with Wright and Associates, who helped secure funding through grants for the Ritz Theater renovation.

“She is looking for grant money,” McLendon said. “It’s not going to happen overnight, but it will happen. This town needs good courts, and we will have them.”

McLendon also mentioned that he brought the issue up with Bobby Bright’s office during his recent trip to Washington.

“That’s our goal. You’ve got to have a start, and you’ve got to have a plan,” he said.

GACTA was also presented with a $5,400 grant through the Mid-South Resource, Conservation and Development council.

That money was used to buy some new bleachers for the courts.

“This has allowed us to provide seating at every court,” said GACTA president Lisa McKeague. “There have been a lot of families out here.”

McKeague also said she was excited about the mayor’s plan for new tennis courts.

“I hope it comes to fruition, because that would be awesome,” she said. “We need as many courts as we can build.”

During the summer league action, GACTA had over 50 kids from ages 4 to 17.

“We had it ranging from experienced players to some people holding the racket for the first time,” McKeague said.

GACTA is a tax-deductible organization, and you can call 382-2490.