"Court Of Dreams" Brings Tennis Players To Iowa Farm
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If you’ve seen the Field of Dreams baseball field in Iowa, you’ll know why this meticulously-groomed tennis court – also carved out of an Iowa corn field – is called the “Court of Dreams” by folks who’ve seen it.
What’s great about the grass tennis court, built and maintained by Mark Kuhn and his family, is that anyone can play on it for free. All you have to do is let them know you’re coming and then make the drive to Charles City, Iowa.
When Kuhn built it he had no idea it would attract players from 35 states. He built it in 2002 to satisfy his curiosity about Wimbledon’s grass tennis courts. Kuhn and his family spent 16 months installing drainage tile and sprinkler heads, leveling 17 truckloads of sandy soil, picking rock, packing the soil and planting bentgrass, which is commonly used on golf greens.
The family hosted a tournament for college tennis players in 2005 and the resulting media coverage, including an article in Tennis magazine, netted calls from all over the country.
“There are so few grass courts left,” Kuhn says, noting that playing on grass is slightly different, as tennis balls don’t bounce as high. “It’s very easy on your body. I had a major farm accident a few years ago and rarely play anywhere else. I play almost every day when I can, and I get a variety of partners and meet a lot of people.”
Maintaining a grass court requires commitment and a lot of work. It takes about 40 min. every day or two to mow the grass to its ideal 7/16-in. length. At the end of the 2012 season, the Kuhns removed thatch and worked in 7 tons of mason sand to improve and firm up the court for 2013. Each year they add improvements, such as cutting, painting and installing the 757 pickets for a fence that surrounds the court. The fence is green on the inside and white on the outside. Along with hedges, flowers and other features, the lawn court stands out next to the Kuhn’s corn and soybean fields.
Reservations are required by emailing the Kuhns through their website for the Memorial Day through Labor Day season. They have vintage and new rackets available.
Kuhn adds that he is consulting with property owners in Minnesota and New Hampshire who are building their own lawn courts. Information and photos about the process are also on the Kuhn’s official website for their “All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club”.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club, 2667 240th St., Charles City, Iowa 50616 (ph 641 330-4910).
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Court Of Dreams Brings Tennis Players To Iowa Farm FARM HOME Miscellaneous If you’ve seen the Field of Dreams baseball field in Iowa you’ll know why this meticulously-groomed tennis court – also carved out of an Iowa corn field – is called the “Court of Dreams” by folks who’ve seen it What’s great about the grass tennis court built and maintained by Mark Kuhn and his family is that anyone can play on it for free All you have to do is let them know you’re coming and then make the drive to Charles City Iowa When Kuhn built it he had no idea it would attract players from 35 states He built it in 2002 to satisfy his curiosity about Wimbledon’s grass tennis courts Kuhn and his family spent 16 months installing drainage tile and sprinkler heads leveling 17 truckloads of sandy soil picking rock packing the soil and planting bentgrass which is commonly used on golf greens The family hosted a tournament for college tennis players in 2005 and the resulting media coverage including an article in Tennis magazine netted calls from all over the country “There are so few grass courts left ” Kuhn says noting that playing on grass is slightly different as tennis balls don’t bounce as high “It’s very easy on your body I had a major farm accident a few years ago and rarely play anywhere else I play almost every day when I can and I get a variety of partners and meet a lot of people ” Maintaining a grass court requires commitment and a lot of work It takes about 40 min every day or two to mow the grass to its ideal 7/16-in length At the end of the 2012 season the Kuhns removed thatch and worked in 7 tons of mason sand to improve and firm up the court for 2013 Each year they add improvements such as cutting painting and installing the 757 pickets for a fence that surrounds the court The fence is green on the inside and white on the outside Along with hedges flowers and other features the lawn court stands out next to the Kuhn’s corn and soybean fields Reservations are required by emailing the Kuhns through their website for the Memorial Day through Labor Day season They have vintage and new rackets available Kuhn adds that he is consulting with property owners in Minnesota and New Hampshire who are building their own lawn courts Information and photos about the process are also on the Kuhn’s official website for their “All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club 2667 240th St Charles City Iowa 50616 ph 641 330-4910
