The 50-year-old Las Positas Tennis Center has reopened after a 16-month, $2.7 million renovation by Elings Park, which has managed the facility since 2011.
The renovation was made possible by donations to the Elings Park Infrastructure Campaign (EPIC), which has also funded $4.8 million in park improvements since 2020. More improvements are planned as funds are raised to complete the project.
“We knew that this beloved tennis facility was in need of attention when Santa Barbara’s Parks & Recreation Department asked Eling Park to take over management a dozen years ago,” said Bruce Giffin, Elings Park Foundation Board member and EPIC co-chair with board member Lauren Katz.
“Though its 1970s design was iconic, the restrooms’ framing had started rotting away, and the asphalt parking lot had turned to gravel,” Giffin said. “This renovation is a testament to the patience and generosity of the Center’s members and local tennis lovers over the years.”
The Tennis Center improvements begin in the parking lot, which is freshly leveled, resurfaced and striped, and features upgraded lighting.
A new metal gateway, which echoes the design of the original circa 1985 entry gate on Jerry Harwin Parkway, marks the entrance to the improved pathway to the courts. Paved in permeable brick, it now meets ADA guidelines for people with disabilities.
The center’s six courts have newly installed LED lighting for night play, the stadium-style viewing areas have been improved, retaining walls built, and all pathways regraded and repaved for ADA compliance to be accessible for people with disabilities.
The architect for the renovation is Elings Park Foundation Board member Joe Andrulaitis. The contractor is Evans Construction Company. Landscape architecture was designed by a local design firm, Arcadia Studio.
The two restrooms were rebuilt on the footprints of the original circa 1972 buildings, as was the tennis pros’ office. All the center’s mechanical systems have been upgraded.
Additional improvements planned for the final phase of renovations include extensive landscaping with California-native plants, and purchasing office equipment. That completes the Tennis Center renovation for $3.2 million total.
“I may be biased, but it’s the most charming tennis center in Southern California,” said Dean Noble, Elings Park executive director. “It is a real community center and open to everyone. We look forward to hosting more programs, more clinics, and more opportunities for youth.”
The center is home to seven US Tennis Association (USTA) teams, both men’s and women’s, and eight teams that play in local interclub tournaments. It runs a summer Tennis Camp for kids ages six to 14, with eight week-long sessions starting June 17. For information, visit https://elingspark.org/summer-camp/tennis/.
Annual memberships to the Tennis Center are currently available but will be capped at 300 total. Members of the public can reserve courts by reservation only, up to a week in advance, by calling 805-698-5442 or by visiting the Tennis Center Office. Day rate to play is $20.
For more, visit https://elingspark.org/sports-recreation/las-positas-tennis-center.