WS Chronicle

The Kimberley Park Tennis Club (KPTC) was established in 1974. Its purpose was to expose and develop the game of tennis among the Winston-Salem African American community. This was done through tennis lessons, playing and competing against other African Americans throughout the southeast United States. 

During the time of its origin, there were very few African Americans playing on a national stage. But here in Winston-Salem, there was the Archie family that played and competed in high school and at the college level. Many children and adults would flock to the Kimberley Park red clay tennis courts to watch the talented and majestic moves of the family children. In 2013, the city of Winston-Salem dedicated the Kimberley Park courts for the Archies.

In 1977, the KPTC created the Christmas Dance as a fundraiser for the organization. The event, held on Christmas night, attracted thousands over a 20-year period. It was known to sell out a month in advance. The event was discontinued after 1997. 

This year marks the 45th year of the club’s existence and what better way to commemorate it than to bring back the Christmas Dance. At the Christmas Dance, KPTC will honor and recognize five community legends of the game. The Legacy awardees nurtured, developed and grew the game for decades in the African American community. Recipients are Weldon Stroud, George Johnson, Leon Kay, Charles Kennedy and Katie Carter. Monies raised from the event will support the junior tennis program. The Christmas Dance will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25, at the Hawthorne Inn from 8 p.m. to1 a.m. Ticket purchase and donations can be done at the club’s website –  www.kimberleyparktennisclub.org – or call 336-757-0036. 

Arnice Wall is the club’s president. The club continues to provide free tennis lessons and development for juniors and adults. This year there have been over 150 juniors participating in the programs provided on Sunday afternoons at Hanes Park and Friday night indoors at Vision Tennis Center.