Tennis in Transylvania County got a big boost this month with the reopening of the public courts in Silvermont Park. Tennis enthusiasts and the general public are invited to mark the occasion at a brief ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, followed by open round-robin play.

The three courts, adjacent to the Silvermont Mansion off East Main Street, have been re-surfaced, color-coated and new net posts have been installed. The work was overseen by the County Parks and Recreation Department which operates the courts.

County officials and members of the Silvermont Centennial Committee will be on hand Sunday. The tennis project is a preliminary step in a county-wide effort to prepare for the 100th anniversary of the Silvermont Mansion in 2017. The mansion and the eight-acre parklands were willed to the citizens of Transylvania County by the Silversteen family in 1972.

Coach Mighty Collier of Transylvania Tennis will organize Sunday’s play. Transylvania Tennis is a non-profit volunteer-based organization which promotes tennis at Silvermont and provides education, clinics and equipment to youngsters in need. Coach Mighty conducts a summer camp for children as well as clinics for adults and seniors.

The Silvermont courts are available to county residents year-round. For more information contact Parks and Rec at 884-3156.