Recreation Department Initiative Sees Massive Surge in Popularity and Expands to Inter-Town League Play
Norwood is on track to produce more than 1,000 new tennis players this summer as a popular municipal instructional program experiences an unprecedented surge in demand. Launched three years ago by the Recreation Department for school-age children and adults, the initiative has captured the local spotlight amid what instructor Mrs. Anne Turchan described as an absolute “explosion in tennis popularity.” Recreation Superintendent Kevin Dixon noted that the classes have become so overwhelmed by enthusiastic participants that advance registration will be required next year to manage the massive turnout, replacing the current policy of registering just one week prior.
The final two-week instructional session of the summer is scheduled to commence on August 14. Offered completely free of charge to any Norwood resident, each course encompasses ten one-hour lessons divided into beginner and advanced-beginner groups for boys and girls up to age 15, alongside dedicated classes for adult women. Men’s classes are currently restricted to night sessions during the spring utilizing indoor courts due to a lack of lighted outdoor facilities in town. Superintendent Dixon noted that women have proven to be among the most enthusiastic students, frequently bringing young children to lessons in carriages and playpens, while Mrs. Turchan highlighted tennis’s growing appeal as a lifetime family sport, observing instances where three generations of a single family played together.
A major milestone for the program this summer has been its debut in inter-town league competition, made possible by the rapidly maturing skill levels of local participants. The boys’ team, directed by John DeCosta, has swept all of its matches this season, while the girls’ squad, coached by Mrs. Turchan, secured its inaugural victory last week. Coach DeCosta emphasized an inclusive philosophy ensuring all participants receive playing time based on skill, supplemented by non-league exhibition matches that grant every youngster a chance to compete. Looking to the future, Superintendent Dixon stressed that the program’s runaway success underscores an urgent municipal need for additional tennis courts equipped with lighting to accommodate heavy evening play.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Sports Stories
-
High School To Have Cross Country Team-September 12, 1957
Norwood High School will have a cross-country team this year, according to a vote of the School Committee last night. Fred Richardson, basketball coach and teacher at the high school, will serve as coach. Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe
-
🏈 Norwood vs. Dedham: A Century of Thanksgiving Football Rivalry
From Gridiron Glory to Community Tradition — A Norwood Perspective 📜 Introduction Every Thanksgiving morning, before the turkey hits the oven, Norwood residents gather with unmatched anticipation—not just for family and food, but for football. The annual Norwood vs. Dedham game is more than a contest; it’s a ritual, a rite of passage, and a…
-
1941 Norwood High School Football Team Drawing
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe
-
Norwood’s Noah Hanifin Drafted Fifth Overall in NHL Draft-June 30, 2015
For Norwood native Noah Hanifin, a lifelong dream is coming true. The 18-year-old defenseman was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes with the fifth overall pick in the NHL Draft on Friday, marking a major milestone in what many expect will be a standout professional career. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Hanifin just wrapped up an…
-
MSHCA Hall calls for Clifford-May 10, 2013
Last Sunday evening, in a ceremony held at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham, Norwood High boys hockey coach Bill Clifford was recognized by the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association. Along with several other first-rate Bay State hockey coaches, Clifford was inducted into the MSHCA Hall of Fame in the 41st annual event. Joining Clifford in a…
-
Ray Martin; Norwood Star Pitched to Babe Ruth, Played for Boston Braves-March 15, 2013
In 1943, Norwood High School senior Ray Martin pitched his team to the state baseball championship and signed a professional contract with the Boston Braves, with whom he made his Major League debut. Later that summer, the tall, 18-year-old righthander faced retired slugger Babe Ruth in an exhibition game at Braves Field to benefit the…
-
Babe Ruth Teams Positioned For Tournament Sweep-July 7, 2008
Norwood Babe Ruth Squads Dominate District 5 Tournament Openers The annual predictability of summer rituals arrived alongside the late June heat as Norwood Babe Ruth programs established early dominance in the District 5 Double-Elimination Tournament. With the 13, 14, and 15-year-old all-star squads each securing a pair of victories at the end of June, the…
-
Sarah Meeks of Norwood High-June 14, 1993
For the fourth straight year, Sarah Meeks of Norwood High School captured the 200-meter title at the New England track and field championships.
-
The “No-Sleep” Mustangs Come Within a Whisker of a State Title-This Day in Norwood History-June 1, 1992
Running on adrenaline after prom night, Norwood’s boys track team delivered one of the gutsiest performances in school history—missing a state title by a single point.
-
Norwood Completes Unlikely Run With Title-June 10, 1991
Armed with only one returning starter and surviving a rocky 4-4 start, the Mustangs pull off a late-inning rally to secure a historic diamond crown. Categories (3–6 layout-appropriate tags): local history, schools, sports, baseball
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.