NEWS RELEASE

August 16, 2002

CARY, NC – Cary Tennis Center, the state's largest public outdoor hard surface tennis facility, celebrates its grand opening and dedication this weekend. The dedication ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 17 and features speakers from the Cary Town Council and the staff of the Cary Tennis Center. Beginning at 10 a.m., a variety of activities including free clinics featuring world champion coach Nick Bollettieri, hitting sessions with staff pros, open house of grounds and facilities, and equipment demos are available for the public. At 2:00 p.m. the courts will open to the public for general play. For more information on the grand opening, the public should call the Cary Tennis Center at (919) 462-2061.

The Cary Tennis Center is a 30-court full service facility with 22 courts and the Center's building set on 19.66 acres of town owned land and 8 courts on approximately 3.5 acres, shared with Green Hope High School. This facility features amenities that include locker rooms with showers, meeting rooms, and a snack bar and pro shop. The Cary Tennis Center project was completed in two phases. The first phase is comprised of eight courts that are shared with Green Hope High School and was completed July of 2000. Construction on Phase II began March of 2001. Total cost of both phases of this project, including design, land, equipment and construction, was budgeted at $6,882,341.

The Town of Cary, Cary Tennis Center, Millbrook Exchange Tennis Center and the City of Raleigh will host the Bullfrog STA Supercircuit & Challenger Tournament October 5-7. This is a Southern Section designated junior tournament. Junior players have to play in designated tournaments to secure their rankings. This tournament is expected to attract players from all seven Southern Sections states, including KY, GA, TN, AL, MS, SC, NC and include some highly ranked national players. "With a quality tennis facility like the Cary Tennis Center and local amenities, citizens of Cary can expect many high-caliber tennis programs and tournaments for youth and adults in Cary," said Mary Barry, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.