The courts are now being utilized to their fullest potential by the community and school students of Warren County.

The three tennis courts at Clifford R. Betts Park quickly underwent a major renovation this spring and summer that took them from cracked and crumbling to sleek and sophisticated in just six months. The $200,000 project was funded by the Betts Foundation and the Richard T. Betts Foundation and carried out by the city of Warren. Utilizing local contractors Huber Blacktop and Warren Fence Co., Joe Reinke from the city’s Park and Recreations department called it a “total redo.”

Last renovated 17 years ago it was necessary to dig up the existing court in its entirety. After excavation to a 4-inch depth, a base layer of gravel was added for drainage and stability. With that complete new electrical wiring could then run and net poles set prior to blacktop being poured. The court was then painted and sealed creating the smooth easy play surface now available to players.

“Huber Blacktop did the majority of the work,” said city manager Mike Holtz.

Current Warren Area High School tennis coach Thomas Pelligrino and WAHS tennis coach creator and former coach Jeff Bartsch reminisce and share stories of past tennis seasons.

“As usual they did an amazing job,” added Michelle Betts of the Betts Foundation.

Painting the existing portion of fence at the courts and adding new fencing to the remaining three sides, the courts are now completely secure. Causing structure and safety concerns, mold on the courts will no longer be an issue. Joe Reinke explained that the city cut down 10 trees from around the courts and trimmed back tree limbs that were creating the mold problem.

“No shade, no mold,” said Reinke, who went on to say that there would be a replanting of trees in the park.

Bright new LED lighting was installed on the existing electrical poles and a new coin box installed. Jokingly Betts said of the new lighting, “You don’t have to wait 15 minutes for it to come on anymore.”

Home to community tennis players and the Warren Area High School tennis teams, WAHS coach Thomas Pelligrino and this year’s girls team hosted their first match of the 2025 season two weeks ago.

New signage at the tennis courts at Betts Park.

“The kids are loving it,” Pelligrino said.

Jeff Bartsch, creator and former coach of the WAHS tennis program, remains actively involved in assisting Pelligrino with the tennis teams, calling the renovated courts a “premier facility”.

Of the quick rate in which the project was completed Bartsch said proudly, “Everyone cooperated and got it done.” Pelligrino says of the WAHS program “Even with decreasing student numbers our program is still going strong.” With more than 20 members on both the boys and girls teams this year’s girls team includes two members from Sheffield and two from Eisenhower. The inclusion of members from schools other than WAHS, “makes our teams and program better,” Pelligrino said.

Community members playing all agreed that the new courts are wonderful to play on and appreciate that the fence now runs the perimeter of the courts.

“It’s beautiful!” said player Kelley Wood.

The tennis courts, as with the pickleball courts, are free to use and open to the public from dawn until dusk. Visit www.cityofwarrenpa.gov for more information on the Clifford R. Betts Park.