Largo Tennis Players Can Finally Keep Their Cool Under the Shade

A shaded area to gather, an amenity expected at a tennis center, has not been available in Largo — until now.

Largo Tennis Center users have said for the past five years they need a gathering place for between matches and during tournaments, city officials say.

There are bleachers on court 8, and other portable bleachers can be located to courts 1, 2 and 3 when needed.

There have been tournaments to raise money for the project for six years, with more than $9,100 in a trust fund.

Now, the state is helping Largo tennis players keep cool with a grant of up to $50,000 to build a deck, shade structure and install picnic tables at the tennis center.

City leaders accepted the money during the city commission meeting Tuesday.

The grant comes from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program.