NICEVILLE — Shovels finally met dirt Thursday afternoon at the future site of the Eagle Ram Tennis Center.
See photos from the ceremony. >>
The groundbreaking for the community-driven project comes more than two years after the now-retired Ruckel Middle School tennis coach suggested it.
“This is unprecedented,” said Lisa Lewis, one of three women who stepped forward early on to lead fundraising efforts. “Nothing like this has been done before.”
The tennis center, which will be built on Ruckel’s property, has been funded entirely with donations. It eventually will have eight full hard courts, nighttime lighting and two courts for children ages 10 and under, said Cici Hruby, who volunteered with Lewis.
The Okaloosa County School Board has approved construction of four courts, but the $220,000 needed to complete all of them is nearly secured, Hruby said.
People from across the community have volunteered time and donated money and supplies for the project. One Niceville High School student, Grant Beattie, even developed a website and has maintained it.
“Each person brings so much talent that it makes the puzzle fit,” Hruby said.
The concept was dreamed up by former Ruckel tennis coach Leslie Parker and quickly gained traction after now-retired Principal Debra Collins Goolsby threw her support behind it.
Not long after that, Hruby, Lewis and Shelley Scholls stepped forward to spearhead the fundraising efforts.
Students from Ruckel Middle School, Niceville High School, Lewis School and the Okaloosa STEMM Academy will share the courts, which should be ready in time for tennis season in January. Once lights are installed, the public can use them in the evenings.
CHECK IT OUT: For more information about the center or to donate, visit www.eagleramtennis.com.