PARKERSBURG – The annual Mayor’s Tennis Tournament is returning this month to raise money for the tennis facilities at City Park, but that’s not the only way city officials are hoping people contribute to the cause.

Earlier this month, Parkersburg City Council approved a resolution granting naming rights for each of the 10 tennis courts at the park to individuals or businesses who contribute $5,000 toward the repairs. So far, Mayor Bob Newell said, the City Park Tennis Association and Camden Clark Medical Center have claimed the naming rights for one court each.

In the past, proceeds from the mayor’s tournament and other donations have allowed the city to build a restroom, renovate the shelter and office near the courts and put up new fencing. It’s been well over a decade since the courts – which are used by local leagues and play host to high school sectional and regional tournaments – have been resurfaced.

“What we’re trying to accomplish this time is not just repaving,” Newell said. “It’s going to be a major overhaul for the surface.

“It’s going to include some more fencing, drainage, landscaping,” he said.

Newell said he expects all the work to cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 – a little less than $5,000 per court, plus additional work.

The 10 courts at City Park make it one of the largest and best venues in the state, said Jeff Olson, Mayor’s Tennis Tournament director for the Mid-Ohio Valley Tennis Association.

“Nowhere else do you have 10 courts in one place like that,” he said.

Olson said he’s hoping for 60 to 75 participants at this year’s tournament, which starts on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 26, and continues all day Saturday, Sept. 27, wrapping up on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 28. There are multiple divisions, based on ability, for men’s and women’s singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles.

“It’s a great community event that really celebrates City Park,” Olson said. “It’s just a great time for social tennis.”

People can register or get more information about the event by contacting Olson at 304-549-4599 or Jeff.Olson14@gmail.com.

Those wanting to know more about sponsoring a court can contact city Finance Director Ashley Flowers at 304-424-8489 or aflowers@parkersburg-wv.com.