Vernon High School tennis complex officially opens

The new Vernon High School Tennis Complex officially opened Saturday, August 15, bringing to a close more than seven years of work to provide a shared space for both the Vernon High School (VHS) tennis program and Vernon residents.

The ribbon cutting ceremony, led by Shirley Parrado, Executive Director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, brought together school and city officials, elected representatives, community leaders, tennis supporters, students, and residents to celebrate the completed facility behind Vernon City Hall.

For many years, VHS’s tennis program operated without usable courts of its own, requiring players and coaches to travel long distances for practices and home matches. The new complex provides a dedicated home for the school’s tennis program while also creating a recreational resource for residents.

The project was made possible through a partnership between the Washington County School District and the City of Vernon, along with state legislative support from Senator Jay Trumbull and Representative Shane Abbott and contributions from community and tennis supporters.

VHS tennis coach Laurie Simmons, who played an integral role in pursuing the project and building support for the courts, reflected on the years of work, and thanked Alan Long and the Golden Eagle Country Club for his ongoing support, as well as Thomas and Laura Dobbins of the Panama City Racket Club, who have supported Vernon players with lessons and opportunities to compete. Linda Williams, representing the Tennis Foundation of Florida, was also a part of the ceremony and presented a $1,000 check to Simmons to support the VHS tennis program.

“She was the front leader, and it was her reputation that got this here,” said Washington County School Board member Dr. Lou Cleveland, commending Simmons’ persistence and determination with helping move the project from an idea to reality.

Vernon Mayor Angel LeCompte also highlighted the project as an example of what can happen when local government, schools, and community members work together, saying that the facility is part of the community’s broader effort to attract visitors, create opportunities, and showcase Vernon.

The new courts will serve Vernon High School athletes for practices and home matches while remaining available for community recreation. United States Tennis Association (USTA) Florida Director of Advocacy, Christine Ducey, and additional local USTA representatives also attended the grand opening and highlighted programming designed to encourage adults to participate in tennis alongside younger players.

The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon cutting involving project leaders, community representatives, elected officials, coaches, and other supporters.

The opening marks the beginning of a new chapter for the VHS tennis program, giving students a place to compete, develop their skills, and build confidence while providing the broader community with a new recreational asset.