We are happy to share the news that the Burnett “Blondie” Pharr Tennis Center will reopen this Saturday, September 16th! Read the announcement below from Rippner Tennis, which will manage the facility.

Friends of Patterson Park is thrilled to have a modernized tennis center at our park. The renovation, designed by Kirksey Architecture, is seeking LEED Gold certification. The center includes two rain gardens designed by local landscape architecture firm Studio Balcones to address drainage issues.

We are also pleased with the new art installation, Harmonic Strings, at the heart of the center. The piece, commissioned by the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program, was created by Melissa Knight and Rakhee Jain Desai. The artists will be at Pharr’s Open House on October 28th, as part of the larger Pattersonpalooza festival with events happening around the park 9:30am–12:30pm.

The City of Austin and Texas Parks and Wildlife will host an official ribbon-cutting and artwork dedication on Wednesday, October 25th at 10am. The public is invited to attend the celebration, and we hope to see our neighbors there!

Rippner Tennis   Rippner Tennis is thrilled to announce the Reopening of the Pharr Tennis Center, a beloved community tennis facility that has undergone a remarkable transformation, courtesy of the City of Austin and Texas Parks and Wildlife.  We extend a warm invitation to tennis enthusiasts, community members, and the media to join us on the courts, as we unveil the stunning improvements and exciting programs that await our patrons. Facility Enhancements: Experience the upgraded facilities, including completely rebuilt courts, state-of-the-art LED lighting, a refurbished clubhouse, and a brand new art installation “Harmonic Strings.” The Pharr Tennis Center is now a premier destination for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.  The Reopening includes several key dates and events: * September 15, 2023: Public court reservations are available and can be conveniently booked through our user-friendly website, https://rippner.clubautomation.com/, or via the RippnerTennis app, up to 48 hours in advance. You can also email our team at reservations@rippnertennis.com. * September 16, 2023: Rippner Tennis programming comes to life, offering a diverse range of options including adult and junior clinics, ball machine rentals, and private lessons. Clinic reservations are available immediately and can be made easily through our website, https://rippner.clubautomation.com/, or the Rippner Tennis app. Of special note, we are thrilled to welcome back our very own former Tennis Professional, Brie Rippner, who achieved a world ranking of #57. Brie will be teaching clinics during select mornings and evenings each week and is looking forward to seeing you on the courts! * October 28, 2023: Join us for an exciting community outreach event in collaboration with Friends of Patterson Park! From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, we’ll be celebrating a multitude of exciting additions to the park, including the tennis center. Come and participate in a diverse range of complimentary tennis activities designed for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the talented artist responsible for the captivating new art installation.   “As we reopen the Pharr Tennis Center, we are passionately committed to cultivating a dynamic tennis community where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can relish the sport they love,” remarked Brie Rippner, President at RippnerTennis. “We eagerly anticipate the return of familiar faces and extend a warm welcome to new members, inviting them to become a part of our tennis family.” About Rippner Tennis: Rippner Tennis stands as a preeminent tennis facility management company dedicated to delivering exceptional tennis experiences to communities across Austin. With a team of dedicated tennis professionals, we are unwavering in our mission to nurture the growth of tennis for players of all ages and skill levels.