Stonington COMO To Renovate Its Tennis Courts; Launches Public Phase of Fundraising Campaign; Announces Amount Raised To Date

Stonington, CT – The Stonington Community Center, better known as the COMO, today unveiled a plan to renovate its four tennis courts on Cutler Street, and replace them with a professional state-of-the-art  DecoTurf surface. The existing courts are over 30 years old and are in poor playing condition.
        
The COMO also announced that it has already raised over $265,000 for the project from private contributions. "This amount includes two very generous matching gifts: a $50,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor, which has already been met, and a $25,000 grant from the Stonington Village Improvement Association, which remains to be fully matched.”
        
 The COMO is now launching the public phase of its fundraising campaign and is soliciting donations from across the community to raise the remaining needed funds and reach its overall goal of $300,000.      
         
“We are thrilled with the results of our Tennis Committee’s fundraising efforts to date and the level of support we have already received” said Beth-Ann Stewart, the COMO’s Executive Director.  She added, “We are now seeking the support of our entire community, including all tennis players in the area, as well as others who are committed to expanding athletic opportunities for the region’s youth, adults and seniors alike, regardless of ability or economic means”. 
          
Jon Nickerson, the President of the COMO’s Board of Directors, said, “We are excited to revive the legacy of tennis at the COMO, and are pleased to be able to upgrade and expand our year-round outdoor racquet sports facilities.” In this regard, Mr. Nickerson noted, “The renovation of the tennis courts is separate from our plan to build two more paddle tennis courts, which will be privately funded.”
         
The COMO expects to begin the tennis court renovation this spring and that the new courts will be ready for play sometime mid-summer. 
          
For additional information or to make a donation, visit www.thecomo.org .