Sylvia Putnam recently made a donation to help the city of Abbeville complete its renovation project on the tennis courts at A.A. Comeaux Park. Taking part in a photo are city officials and members of the tennis play community (Left to right): North Vermilion Tennis team, Whitney Myers, North Vermilion Tennis Coach Scott Myers, City Public Works Director Chris Gautreaux, Tennis Player Reba Broussard, Councilman Brady Broussard Jr, Abbeville High Tennis Coach Francis Leblanc, Honoree Sylvia Putnam, Mayor Roslyn White, Pickle Ball Player Kirk Wesson, Tennis/Pickle Ball Player Janell Duhon.
Putnam’s love for tennis: Abbeville resident donates personal money to help finish tennis courts in A.A. Comeaux Park
Sylvia Putnam is a longtime Abbeville resident.
She is also an avid tennis fan.
Through a generous donation, Putnam has helped to make tennis more enjoyable for everyone in the city that she calls home.
Putnam donated funds to the city to help complete the renovation of the tennis courts at A.A. Comeaux Park. Last year, the city council approved around $200,000 for the renovation. Putnam’s donation helped finalize the project.
“I have played tennis all my life,” Putnam said. “It is such a wonderful sport.”
Putnam previously donated funds for the tennis courts at Vermilion Catholic.
Last spring, the city hired Pro Tech Track & Tennis Surfaces to construct 5” cap post tension courts. City officials explored a public/private partnership to help wrap up the project.
“Mayor (Roslyn) White, former Mayor (Mark) Piazza and I met with Mrs. Putnam to work out the details of her assistance and ultimately that lead to the completion of the project and the beautiful recreational asset we have today,” said Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., whose district includes the park.
White, who took office as mayor last July, said this is a terrific gesture.
“We are grateful for Mrs. Sylvia’s generosity, which helped us to complete the tennis court project,” White said. “I think it was a meaningful way for her to share her love of tennis with future generations.”
Broussard agreed, wholeheartedly.
“This project is a perfect example of how private citizens can work with government in partnership to make improvements that may otherwise not be possible,” Broussard said.
The improvements are being put to good use, with the amount of activity taking place on the three courts.
“It’s rewarding to now see the tennis lessons, tennis matches and high school competitions that are occurring there with frequency,” Broussard said. “This project benefits tennis players young and old, including pickle ball players, from throughout our city and parish.”
Putnam is more than happy to take part.
“We all love Abbeville,” Putnam said.