A $152,000 donation from the university will help fund a full restoration of the courts, the longstanding home of the boys and girls tennis teams at Hamden High School. The compound re-opened in July after undergoing a series of temporary repairs. Resurfacing, the installation of new fencing and lighting and the painting of pickleball boundaries are all included in the renovation project.

The town will use bonding money along with the donation from the gift fund it established to accept voluntary gifts from the university. Bethany Zemba, Quinnipiac’s vice president for strategy and community relations, noted the importance of lending a helping hand to the surrounding communities.

“We are delighted to support the enhancement of our town’s public tennis courts,” Zemba said. “This donation is in alignment with our Building Bobcats Youth Athletics program and reflects our commitment to fostering community wellness and providing accessible recreational opportunities for all residents. We believe that these improvements will not only benefit current players but also inspire future generations to embrace the sport. Together, we are building a healthier, more active community.”

Cracks in the old courts had long been the subject of safety concerns. The Hamden High boys and girls tennis teams were forced to practice and play home matches at Hamden Middle School this past spring. There’s an expectation, per a New Haven Register report, that the Green Dragons will not be displaced again when the next season rolls around.

News of Quinnipiac’s involvement in restoring the tennis courts comes on the heels of the June announcement of a pledge to invest in the reinstatement of middle school sports in the town.

“The well-being of the entire community of Hamden is a vital priority for Quinnipiac University,” Olian said. “We are delighted and gratified to be able to support middle school sports — investing in the future success and healthy development of the youth of Hamden.”