NEWS & EVENTS

A Legacy Revitalized

For decades, Mint Valley Racquet & Fitness Complex has been a cornerstone of the Longview community. After the retirement of its longtime manager, the facility faced an uncertain future. Recognizing its value, the Longview City Council unanimously selected USTA PNW to manage the complex under a five-year agreement.

“Mint Valley has long been a gathering place for play and connection,” said Longview Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Wills. “Partnering with USTA PNW ensures this facility continues to meet community needs while honoring its legacy.”

Facility Upgrades and Expanded Programming

The revitalization project is a collaborative effort between the City of Longview and USTA PNW, with each partner contributing to the facility’s transformation:

• City of Longview’s Commitment: Recent improvements include repairing the building’s ceiling liner to significantly improve on-court lighting and visibility and upgrading the HVAC system, with additional investments in modernizing the locker rooms and shower facilities. These upgrades are funded in part by the Kuntz Family Trust Fund, a Longview parks improvement trust.

• USTA PNW’s Contribution: Enhancements include resurfacing the courts to U.S. Open blue, adding new divider nets and backdrop curtains, and creating a dynamic new viewing area for players and spectators. Additionally, USTA PNW will implement an online and app-based registration system, addressing the critical need for modern, user-friendly reservation capabilities.

• Expanded Programming: USTA PNW will introduce affordable and inclusive tennis and fitness programs designed for players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.

• Pickleball Partnership: One of the tennis courts will have pickleball lines on both sides of the net, creating two pickleball courts and welcoming a more diverse, broader audience.

• Community Engagement: Collaborations with local schools and organizations will ensure tennis is accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the community.

Citing similar relationships USTA PNW has with local school districts at their other facilities, Longview Parks Director Jennifer Wills sees the potential for this revitalized asset to improve access and inclusivity for local high schools. “Having a renewed resource like the Mint Valley Tennis Center will be a game-changer for our high school tennis teams,” Wills added. “It opens up opportunities for more students to participate in the sport and benefit from the teamwork, leadership, and physical fitness that tennis provides.”

“This partnership is about reducing barriers to participation,” said USTA PNW Chief Operating Officer China Kirk. “We are committed to offering scholarships, adaptive programming, and opportunities for players of all skill levels to ensure everyone in Mint Valley can experience the many benefits of tennis.”

Mint Valley’s location near residential neighborhoods and Mint Valley Golf Course makes it a convenient destination for all ages, especially seniors. A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings highlighted that tennis increases life expectancy by 9.7 years—more than any other sport.

“Our vision is a welcoming space where all players can connect and thrive,” said Kirk. “This project showcases our commitment to making tennis accessible and impactful for the entire community.”

Looking Ahead

This revitalization builds on USTA PNW’s proven success managing facilities like the Vancouver Tennis Center and Galbraith Tennis Center in Tacoma. As a model for fostering health, wellness, and inclusion, Mint Valley Tennis Center will continue to honor its legacy as a gathering place for recreation while embracing its future as a state-of-the-art facility.

About USTA PNW

Founded in 1904, the United States Tennis Association Pacific Northwest (USTA PNW) is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to growing the game of tennis and making it accessible to everyone. As one of the 17 sections of the USTA and the national governing body for tennis in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and parts of Idaho, USTA PNW represents over 1.3 million tennis enthusiasts and more than 200 facilities. Through our low-cost RecTennis programs, we bring tennis to over 40,000 participants in afterschool and summer parks settings, fostering lifelong fitness, teamwork, and leadership. Our extensive network of 300+ community partners, including schools, public parks, and recreational spaces, underscores our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community impact.  As the largest employer of recreational tennis jobs in the Pacific Northwest, USTA PNW annually engages over 400 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff, creating meaningful opportunities in the communities we serve. At USTA PNW, we believe tennis is more than a game—it's a powerful tool for transforming lives, promoting wellness, and building stronger, healthier communities.  Our mission, "To promote and develop the growth of tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere," guides us every day as we work to make tennis a catalyst for positive change.