The Facility

Front view of a modern building with large glass windows, red brick pillars, and a white entrance canopy, surrounded by a green lawn and landscaped bushes.

The proposed facility will incorporate the existing Byrd Park Tennis Courts and the new indoor facility and other amenities would be constructed on the land behind Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary, which is owned by Richmond Public Schools/The City of Richmond. 

Second Serve RVA and its partners will raise the funds to construct the Class A tennis facility. The facility will be a public-private partnership with the tenants paying for operating use with the City providing landlord services such as fencing, perimeter lighting, curb and gutter.

The City will continue to maintain the current outdoor Byrd Park Tennis Courts and upgrade its bathrooms to be ADA accessible along with Class A landscaping, sidewalks, lighting and parking.

INDOOR TENNIS FACILITY CONCEPT: EXTERIOR

Indoor tennis courts with green flooring, surrounded by yellow walls and a yellow ceiling, featuring two tennis nets and a balcony with a railing.

8-Indoor Tennis Courts

RVA’s first Indoor 8-court tennis facility with free access to the youth tennis in Richmond

Richmond is set to welcome a state-of-the-art, eight-court indoor tennis facility that will redefine community access to sport, wellness, and education. Designed as a Class A, fully ADA-accessible complex, the center will feature eight climate-controlled indoor courts with a mezzanine viewing gallery, offering players, families, and fans a premier year-round tennis experience.

Beyond competition, this facility will serve as a cultural and educational hub, housing both the Black Tennis Hall of Fame and the Richmond Tennis Hall of Fame, celebrating the city’s profound legacy and contributions to the sport. The center will also include dedicated classrooms and after-school spaces, providing opportunities for academic enrichment, mentorship, and leadership development alongside athletic training. With modern locker rooms, multipurpose learning areas, and welcoming design, this landmark facility embodies the mission of Second Serve Foundation—to create an inclusive space where health, history, and hope converge for Richmond’s youth and the greater community.

INDOOR TENNIS FACILITY CONCEPT: INTERIOR COURTS

Interior of a modern building lobby with multicolored walls, glass doors, an open second floor with metal railings, and ceiling lights.

The Richmond Tennis Hall of Fame

Richmond first museum that will celebrate the legacy of tennis and the impact on the Richmond regional tennis community.

The Richmond Hall of Fame was established in 1990 by the Richmond Tennis Association to recognize those with considerable dedication, both on and off the court, to the Richmond tennis community.

INDOOR TENNIS FACILITY CONCEPT: INTERIOR ENTRANCE

Empty interior space with a beige carpet, yellow walls, and a staircase with metal railings and wooden handrails leading to an upper level. Large windows on the right side letting in natural light and ceiling lights illuminating the space. There is a reception desk and closed doors.

Home to The
Black Tennis
Hall of Fame

Preserving the History of the contributions and legacy of black tennis in America.

Through the preservation of this history and commemoration of the rich legacies of these individuals, the education of tennis is elevated, thus empowering and inspiring individuals worldwide to meet the challenges of these concerns. 

INDOOR TENNIS FACILITY CONCEPT: INTERIOR BALCONY

Proposed-site-map

Proposed Site Location

The proposed indoor tennis facility and the improvements to the existing Byrd Park Tennis Courts will serve as a major community asset—enhancing recreational, educational, and athletic opportunities for both the City of Richmond and Richmond Public Schools (RPS).

To support this shared vision, the City of Richmond, at its own expense, will:

  • Provide fencing, perimeter lighting, security systems, and curb and gutter enhancements as needed to ensure safety, accessibility, and visual continuity throughout the complex.

  • Prior to completion of the indoor facility, fund and complete the ADA accessibility upgrades and any necessary refurbishment of the existing restroom facilities.

  • Invest in the ongoing maintenance and beautification of Byrd Park to ensure it is maintained as a Class A recreational and educational complex—including tennis court resurfacing, landscaping, lighting, sidewalks, and parking improvements.

These commitments will not only elevate Byrd Park into a premier tennis destination for local, regional, and scholastic play but also provide RPS students with year-round access to high-quality athletic facilities that promote health, wellness, and academic engagement.

FAQs

  • The project proposes an 8-court indoor tennis facility, connected to the existing 12 outdoor courts, making Byrd Park a 20-court Class A complex with training, educational, and wellness spaces.

  • It will be constructed behind Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary School on land owned by Richmond Public Schools and The City of Richmond, adjacent to the existing Byrd Park courts.

  • Yes. The facility will remain a public, community-centered complex. Programs and memberships will prioritize accessibility for Richmond Public School students and local residents.

  • Absolutely. The design includes ADA-accessible bathrooms, entrances, and parking, ensuring inclusivity for players of all abilities, including adaptive and wheelchair tennis participants.

  • Once approvals and funding are completed, construction is expected to be on a 12–18 month timeline and be completed in approximately 18–24 months.

  • The facility is designed to provide a year-round space for tennis instruction, community recreation, and educational programming. It will serve as a hub for athletic development, health and wellness, and enrichment opportunities for Richmond youth and families.

  • The facility will enhance one of the city’s most historic public parks, stimulate community engagement, attract regional tennis events, and strengthen Richmond’s reputation as a leader in inclusive recreation and youth development.

  • Programs will include youth tennis instruction, academic mentorship, cardio fitness, nutrition workshops, mindfulness training, and leadership development.

  • Second Serve Foundation will maintain all indoor courts at the facility, while The City of Richmond, at its expense, will continue to provide fencing, lighting, security, curb and gutter improvements, ADA upgrades, and ongoing maintenance for Byrd Park.

  • Before the indoor facility is completed, the city will fund upgrades including ADA-accessible restrooms, court resurfacing, landscaping, improved sidewalks, new lighting, and parking enhancements to elevate the entire complex.

  • The facility will increase recreational access for residents, provide youth mentorship opportunities, and attract visitors for tournaments and community events—boosting local economic and social vitality.

  • The facility will be open to both the public and RPS students. It will host school-based programs, community leagues, fitness sessions, and public recreational use, ensuring broad access for all Richmond residents.

  • Community members can support through volunteering, donations, sponsorships, or participation in public engagement sessions that shape the facility’s programs and long-term vision.

  • By offering low-cost or no-cost programming, scholarships, and community partnerships to ensure every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to play and grow through tennis.

  • The project includes refurbishing tennis courts at nine Richmond schools and training RPS staff to integrate tennis and wellness into their after-school programs.

  • The total estimated cost is between $15–$20 million, which includes construction, site improvements, and initial operational support.

  • Funding will come from a public-private partnership, led by the Second Serve Foundation through a capital campaign, private donations, and corporate sponsorships.

  • The City of Richmond will assist with site improvements (lighting, sidewalks, and fencing), but the construction and operations will be primarily funded by private donations and grants.

  • The Second Serve Foundation (or an assigned non-profit entity) will lease and operate the facility, in partnership with organizations such as the Richmond Tennis Association and Metro Richmond Tennis Club.

  • Sustainability will come through program fees, tournaments, memberships, event hosting, and ongoing philanthropic support, ensuring it remains affordable and community-focused.

Contact us

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