The Other Side of the Net

Paseo Racquet Center in Glendale

By Dale Shepard

Hello again to all my fellow tennis lovers! In this issue, I would like to tell you about one of the busiest and most productive tennis centers in the state of Arizona. The Paseo Racquet Center in Glendale has been a stalwart in the tennis community since 1992.

This family run operation is truly unique. Alan and Viola Pruhdomme are the administrative backbone of this facility. Their sons, Ed, Greg and Brian are actively involved in the everyday operation of this 19-court tennis center. In October, they celebrated their re-grand opening event by providing free tennis clinics for all those in attendance. My personal favorite was the 50 cent beer and hot dog booth. Several hundred people attended with various tennis vendors included. One of the highlights of the event was a guest appearance by former heavyweight boxing champion, Tommy Morrison. The event also saw the unveiling of their Youth Foundation Wall. This wall has been constructed of bricks purchased by individuals, companies and organizations in the valley to provide lessons, clinics and scholarships to young tennis players to further their dreams and give them additional resources they may not have otherwise.

The courts had been newly resurfaced through a cooperative effort between the Pruhdommes and the City of Glendale. The new blue and green color combination is very popular with the players because of the increased visibility on the courts. The renovations also included two terrace covers for shade. Additional improvements are scheduled to include picnic tables and bleachers throughout the facility. Paseo is also conducting research to possibly expand to 25 courts including a stadium court with can seat several hundred to a thousand seats. This addition could secure several large events and tournaments to the valley that we currently do not have. Events such as these would be an economic boost to the north valley.

The Pruhdommes have carved out a niche in the north valley that has gotten the attention of more than local tennis enthusiasts. They have been sought out by cities such as Denver, Colorado Springs and LaJolla to share their expertise in facility management. Paseo’s strength comes from their flexibility in programming and their wide variety all year around. If any of you are looking for a place to play and socialize, stop by 6268 W. Thunderbird in Glendale or make a reservation for a court or a lesson by calling 623-979-1234. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

In closing, the Pruhdomme family has a special place in my heart. I can honestly say that if it weren’t for them, I would not be at the station in life that I currently find myself. Their love for the game of tennis is very evident through their commitment to growing our sport. I would hope that other municipally-owned tennis facilities would take a close look at Paseo and the City of Glendale and the type of relationship they have. Other cities have tried to get involved in the tennis industry but quickly learned that it takes a long-term commitment. It is truly a unique industry and takes patience, hard work and a keen sense of knowing the sport of tennis. Over the past decade, we have lost a significant number of tennis courts in the valley. Other places are now choosing to build new tennis centers and for that I am thankful. But I never want to forget those who have been in the trenches and have fought tooth and nail to carve out that niche I spoke of. The Pruhdomme family is good for the Arizona tennis scene and I am delighted that the
City of Glendale continues to apply forward thinking to their relationship.

Keep up the good work!