New community tennis courts introduced at Oakcrest Elementary School

After six months of planning and work, new tennis courts were unveiled Tuesday at Oakcrest Elementary School that will be open not only to students but to the entire community.

Escambia County District 3 Commissioner Lumon May sees the new tennis courts as an opportunity to help open up more assets to the community so citizens can take full advantage of their community.

Salvation Army: Eddie Brown has helped mold NFL talent, everyday kids in Pensacola for almost four decades

High School Tennis: High School Tennis: Pensacola Catholic's Gabby Goyins takes home Georgia Bowl singles title

"My goal is to teach children the game of tennis, and allow for them to network and to communicate. But as we look at scholarship opportunities across the country to get children to elevate out of poverty, education is a great equalizer," May said.

"Tennis traditionally is something African Americans don't participate in, but there's so many scholarships and opportunities. So my hope with this court is to open up a ride for young people and a great opportunity to do this sport while being physically healthy."

Free tennis balls and racquets will be provided and the courts will be open after school until 6. p.m. and during the weekends and the summer from sunrise to sundown.

Leroy Williams, community center coordinator for Escambia County in the Neighborhood and Human Services Department, is excited for the opportunity for students to try a sport that has not traditionally been the norm for them.

"I think it is major for District 3, but it's even more major for our entire community because it's the only tennis court of its kind where it caters to kids 5 to 12 years old," Williams said. "That's phenomenal. You can't find that anywhere else."

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Oakcrest Elementary in Pensacola gets new community tennis courts