Quinnipiac Donates $152K To Help Replace Hamden Tennis Courts

HAMDEN, CT — Quinnipiac University is donating more than $150,000 to help the town of Hamden replace eight tennis courts on Mix Avenue early next year, officials recently announced.

A $152,000 donation from the university will help fund a full restoration of the courts, the longstanding home of the boys and girls tennis teams at Hamden High School, according to a post on the Quinnipiac website.

The compound re-opened in July after undergoing a series of temporary repairs. Resurfacing, the installation of new fencing and lighting and the painting of pickleball boundaries are all included in the renovation project, according to the post.

The town will use bonding money along with the donation from the gift fund it established to accept voluntary gifts from the university.

“We are delighted to support the enhancement of our town’s public tennis courts,” Bethany Zemba, Quinnipiac’s vice president for strategy and community relations, said in the post. “This donation is in alignment with our Building Bobcats Youth Athletics program and reflects our commitment to fostering community wellness and providing accessible recreational opportunities for all residents. We believe that these improvements will not only benefit current players but also inspire future generations to embrace the sport. Together, we are building a healthier, more active community.”

Quinnipiac also made a “generous donation” to restore the Hamden Middle School sports program after it had been set to be eliminated as part of $3.3 million in cuts from the Board of Education budget, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett announced in June.

“The well-being of the entire community of Hamden is a vital priority for Quinnipiac University,” Quinnipiac University President Judy D. Olian said. “We are delighted and gratified to be able to support middle school sports — investing in the future success and healthy development of the youth of Hamden.”