The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Ms • June 28, 2007 • Sports Section

HILLER PARK TENNIS COMPLEX OPENS

By Doug Barber

BILOXI- The Hiller Park Tennis Complex in Biloxi is up and running again after being damaged by the waters and wind of Hurricane Katrina.

Thomas d'Aquin, president of the non-profit Aces Tennis Foundation, said Hiller Park would hold a formal grand opening Saturday, July 14, at 10 a.m. A representative of Prince Manufacturing will be there with demo rackets as part of the day of tennis.

D'Aquin will also serve as the tennis pro at Hiller Park.

"We will have programming for everyone in the public," d'Aquin said. "We will also introduce a senior league (55 and up) . Tennis is for a lifetime but at a certain time, it is hard to get people to go out for tennis."

"All the fences are back up at Hiller Park and the hitting wall has been restored."

D'Aquin who has taught tennis for 27 years, worked last school year with Harrison County in kindergarten through third grade students, introducing them to tennis.

"USTA has gone into the schools to introduce tennis but they caught the kids after they've caught the bug for other sports, like football," d'Aquin said.

Lessons will be offered at Hiller Park, a public facility, and leagues will be formed for adult players.

Although July 14 is the formal grand opening, the tennis courts are currently being used.

"There are eight great courts," d'Aquin said. "As I like to say, a tennis court is a terrible thing to waste."

Players interested in participating in the grand opening, call (225) 614-7100, e-mail acestennisfoundation@yahoo.com or go to acestennisfoundation.com.