The Davis Islands Tennis Club was baked into the original vision for Davis Islands, part of D. P. Davis’s ambitious effort to lure residents to his $30 million waterfront development. Planned in 1924 and constructed in what was then known as the Hyde Park section of the islands at 15 Columbia Dr., the club opened with an initial membership of 150 and a construction cost of $50,000. Membership was open to both Tampa residents and visitors, underscoring the project’s resort-style aspirations.

The clubhouse featured a tiled dance floor, showers and lockers, card rooms, and other modern conveniences. Along with the tennis club, Marjorie Park, a country club, and a golf course were envisioned as key amenities for the development. For decades, the club hosted nationally significant tennis tournaments, most notably the annual Dixie Cup, cementing its reputation as a major hub of competitive tennis. It opened in early 1925.

In 1985, city officials proposed relocating the Davis Islands Tennis Club to Marjorie Park. Tampa General Hospital continued to grow and needed space for another parking garage. Davis Islanders opposed the replacement because it would lose the historical value of the original tennis building, restrict the open green space in Marjorie Park, and condemn several single-family homes along the west side of Columbia Drive for the parking expansion. At one point, moving the complex adjacent to the Peter O Knight airport was proposed. Davis Islands residents favored this move, but the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority nixed the idea. Residents lost the relocation battle, and the tennis complex was moved to the center of Marjorie Park.

The new building featured a large circular fountain at the front, with steps cascading to the water’s edge, creating an inviting entrance to the complex. The building design was primarily Mediterranean Modern, with a barrel-tile roof and plaster walls. Eight clay courts welcomed players.

The new club brought immediate complaints. Because of low three-foot fences, tennis balls were flying into the Hillsborough River. Unlike the old club, nothing was blocking the winds coming off the river, creating a strong crosswind across the courts. The city charged $225 annually for single memberships, but players who exceeded their scheduled playing time were assessed additional fees, even if no one was waiting.

In 1995, Mayor Dick Greco renamed the club the Sandra W Freedman Tennis Complex in honor of Freedman’s 20 years of service to the city as both a city councilmember and Mayor. She was also a local tennis champion in her youth. As City Council Chair, she also led the effort to demolish the old courts in favor of the parking garage (and won).

Over 20 years, the fountain fell into disrepair. In preparations for the 2012 Republican National Convention, thinking that conventioneers would want to get in a round of tennis at the complex that was now an eyesore, the fountain was filled in with sand and turned into a “Zen Garden”. Because it was difficult to maintain, the entire area has since been removed, and grass has been planted in its place. Costs have significantly decreased, with the city now charging between $4 and $7 per person per court.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved