The City of Owensboro’s Parks & Recreation Department has earned two major honors from the United States Tennis Association (USTA): the USTA Southern Outstanding Parks and Recreation Department award and the USTA Kentucky Outstanding Parks and Recreation Department award.
The USTA Southern award, which spans nine states, is given to a parks and recreation department that demonstrates exceptional impact in its community through innovative programming, engaging events, and strategic partnerships. The award region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
“We are truly humbled to be recognized among such an outstanding group of peers and thousands of parks and recreation departments throughout the nine-state region,” said Director of Parks & Recreation Amanda Rogers. “This recognition is a testament to the strong collaboration we have in Owensboro — starting with a passionate local tennis association, dedicated elected officials, and supportive city management. It also reflects the hard work of our internal staff and the solid partnership we share with the Public Works department. Through careful planning, consistent maintenance, and replacement strategies, we’ve elevated the tennis experience for our local community and tennis tourists.”
The USTA Kentucky award recognizes similar achievements on the state level, honoring Owensboro for its commitment to growing the sport locally through quality facilities and community engagement.
“The USTA Kentucky award truly reflects where it all starts — locally,” said Recreation Superintendent Kerry Bodenheimer. “The support of the Owensboro Daviess-County Tennis Association and local players is a huge part of our success. Our customer service and facilities are a big reason why we have such a strong relationship with USTA Kentucky, which leads to regular USTA events in our community.”
Rogers and Bodenheimer accepted the USTA Southern award during the J. Randolph Gregson Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on January 18 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter in Atlanta. The pair will travel to Louisville on Saturday to accept the USTA Kentucky honor at the USTA Kentucky Awards Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency.
