Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Bridgehampton Child Care Center Tennis Court

On Saturday, June 18, the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new tennis court that was recently installed on their grounds.

The new court was the labor of love by Jack Louchheim, a 14-year-old Sagaponack resident and eighth grader at Pierson Middle-High School in Sag Harbor, who raised about $48,000 through donations from local individuals and organizations, with goals of raising that number to $50,000 in the weeks to come.

An avid tennis player since he was five years old, Louchheim cites tennis as an outlet that has helped him grow, not only physically, but also as a person. Now in his early teens, Louchheim has solidified himself as an undefeated member of the East Hampton High School Varsity tennis team and a regular competitor in USTA (United States Tennis Association) tournaments along the eastern section.

The construction of the court began in April and the finishing touches were added in the first week of June. Now with its completion and summer en route, the court is now playable, with Louchheim offering free instruction to the children of the Center five mornings a week for The Center’s summer program, with help from his tennis buddies.

Modified for youth tennis, the court is smaller than the accustomed court we know, sizing at 34’ x 56’. Louchheim’s lessons will also use smaller racquets and lower nets, which will allow children, ages 5–8, to understand and enjoy the game rather than struggle and be intimidated by an adult-sized court.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held this Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information on Louchheim’s cause or to make a donation, visit bridgehamptonyouthtennis.com. For upcoming news and updates from the BHCCRC, check out bhccrc.org.