Designed and oversaw transformation of YMCA Family Tennis Center in Naples Florida from 2013-2016. Tim Bauer created a vision to save the tennis center and make it a vibrant part of the Greater Naples YMCA.
Tim directed all aspects, and with the help of a tirelss team, the rebirth of the YMCA tennis made improvements in
programming and marketing, teaching philosophy, and improved online reservation services and numerous enhacements to the facilities
design and intent--making it a place to play tennis & get better--to enjoy--a home rather than a place to visit.
The transformation of the Bob Beckler YMCA Family Tennis Center in Naples Florida occurred between 2013 and 2016. In August of 2013 Tim Bauer was hired and a new vision was set forth to save the
tennis center and make it a vibrant part of the Greater Naples YMCA. Tim took over a deteriorated tennis center with dangerous court surfaces and disorganized membership that had seen years of neglect from past managers.
Though many managers tried a variety of approaches the lack of funding created a low point which threated the very existence of the tennis center. With the help of a tirelss team the vision for the rebirth of the YMCA
tennis came from Tim Bauer. Directing all aspects of the program Tim built the team and infrastructure needed to make the vision a reality. In 3 short years the transformation was phenomenal. Improvements to all aspects
included tennis programming and marketing teaching philosophy and improved online reservation services as well as numerous big and little improvements in the facilities design and intent--it feels like a place to play
tennis--to get better--to enjoy--a home rather than a place to visit.
Some of the Greater Naples YMCA transformations:
Improved all aspects of tennis courts including safety and surface
The YMCA now has 3 different surfaces allowing choice by customers by age or preference. The courts are now taken care of with great attention to detail with improved methods for irrigation and maintenance.
Improved Membership
Much membership was recaptured, assuring those using the facility were contributing financially to its success when previously many players used the facility without even paying dues leading to the
long decline of the facility. Additionally new members came aboard after the facility, program, and management improvements.
Rejuvenated Junior Tennis Programs
New tennis programs just for kids including the addition of the kids court and higher level junior programs has changed the reputation of the junior program for the better.
Improved Public Relations in the Community
The tennis center has made great inroads in getting themselves in the spotlight with special junior programs and professional exhibitions. It has raised the level of awareness in YMCA tennis.
Retrained Staff to Pursue Excellence
The staff at the tennis center has seen a retraining on a grand scale--everything from tucked in shirts for the staff to the greetings people receive whenever they come to the tennis center to the
higher levels of court grooming. It has changed the YMCA from a place to visit to a place to call home.
New Court Allocation Policies and On-line Reservations
Management solutions remedied behind the scenes with the implementation of new court policies new on-line court reservations system and new programming--all of which far-outweighed the aesthetic
changes to the facilities.
Trained and Improved Tennis Instruction
Attracting new members and growing new players through quality instruction for all ages and levels of play--especially those youth and adults that needed and introduction to the lifetime game.
Tim Bauer's YMCA Fundraising Netted Over $300 Thousand
Tim Bauer fundraised over $300,000 through programs including banners, pavers, and legacy naming opportunities. People helped be a part of a bigger tennis community and leave a legacy for future
tennis players.
Overall the transformation of the YMCA in Greater Naples has changed the tennis landscape of Southeastern Florida. A more fun and family-moriented place for tennis players has been created to be
enjoyed for years to come.
Click for comprehensive PDF on the YMCA Transformation (14.2mb)