Town considering renaming of tennis courts at Windermere Recreation Center

The town of Windermere is considering renaming the tennis courts at Windermere Recreation Center to the Douglas Bowman Tennis Center after recently passed Windermere resident and avid tennis player Doug Bowman. 

Bowman died July 2 at the age of 59.

The idea was first brought to the town's attention by Council Member Mandy David at the July Town Council meeting.

David, who serves as the council liaison for the Parks and Recreation department, said the committee had expressed interest in honoring the community member through one of the things he loved the most: tennis.

"I believe the naming of something in honor of someone’s dedication, volunteerism or sacrifice is a great tribute," Town Manager Robert Smith said.

The town hosted a virtual public information workshop to discuss the matter Monday, Oct. 9.

At the meeting, the Parks and Recreation department conversed about Bowman's more than 20 years of service on the committee and to the town, as well as how he started and built the tennis program. 

"Doug was a huge supporter of kid's tennis, and our kids program was really formed by Doug and Mary Hayes," Parks and Recreation Chair Nora Brophy said. "We think naming the courts at WRC is a wonderful gesture to honor his service. He was a humble and kind man, and we think he would be honored."

The Windermere Recreation Center is located at 11465 Park Ave., Windermere.

The Windermere Town Council will vote on the item at its November meeting.