Outdoor Tennis.jpeg

Outdoor tennis

 Courtesy WCPR

The United States Tennis Association has withdrawn from a project in Spring Hill because of issues with fundraising.

The organization was set to partner with Franklin-based development company SouthStar for its 213-acre mixed-use project Legacy Pointe in Spring Hill. In a statement from the City of Spring Hill, officials with the USTA said they were not able to raise capital "within the timeframe outlined by the development."

“While this outcome is not what we had envisioned, we want to express our sincere gratitude to SouthStar and the city of Spring Hill for their support and partnership throughout the process,” Carol Wrinn, USTA Tennessee president, said in a release. “USTA remains committed to promoting and developing the game of tennis, and we look forward to finding new ways to work together in the future.”

SouthStar said in the release that it began working with the USTA in 2022 at the request of the city and agreed to provide a space for the tennis facility in the proposed development. The USTA was planning to bring local, regional and national tournaments to the area with this new location.

According to the SouthStar statement, the USTA "had to raise several million dollars" for construction and operations although an exact amount has not been released.

“We’ve been working with the USTA for almost three years to bring the regional tennis facility to fruition,” Glenn McGehee, SouthStar president, said in a release. “Unfortunately, it’s a tough fundraising environment out there right now and the organization was unable to secure the funds necessary to move forward with the project. We are all disappointed as this project would have been a great addition to Legacy Pointe and the Spring Hill community.”

McGehee said in the release that the company is already having conversations with "several entities" that are interested in partnering with the company on its Legacy Pointe development.

“Our main priority is identifying potential partners and tenants that would bring unique value, services and amenities for the entire community," McGehee said. "From family recreational opportunities to major retailers and restaurants, we have some great options we hope to announce soon.”

SouthStar broke ground on Legacy Pointe in May 2024. The development includes a four lane road connecting Crossings Boulevard and Kedron Road in Maury County scheduled for completion this year. The project also features residential, commercial and office space in addition to green space and other amenities.