Honoring those who make a difference and go above and beyond in all facets of the tennis industry, the Pacific Northwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association presented Central Park Tennis Club’s General Manager Julie Wheadon with “Facility Manager of the Year” at its annual USPTA PNW Division Convention on June 3.

The USPTA  award recognizes a general manager of a country club, commercial tennis facility, public tennis center, resort or similar facility.

It is based on encouraging professional development of facility staff; promotion of tennis in the facility environment; support for USPTA education and professional development opportunities; hiring and supporting USPTA-certified tennis professionals; and organizational affiliations and special achievements in the tennis facility industry.

Wheadon has made a significant impact on Central Park Tennis Club in Kirkland. Wheadon has managed CPTC since the winter of 1999, and is an 18 year veteran of the tennis industry.

Throughout the years, Wheadon has been recognized by members of the club as a fearless leader who is willing to step outside of the box to do the impossible and transform a club from great to extraordinary.

Wheadon has overseen the planning and execution of numerous expansion and renovation projects at CPTC. Some of the major projects consist of increasing the number of indoor courts by 50 percent, growing membership by 15 percent, raising active membership from 50 percent to 95 percent, building a state-of-the-art fitness facility, creating two new forms of tennis memberships, in addition to hosting two Women’s Challenger events that brought professional tennis to the greater Seattle area.

Upon receiving the award, Wheadon was quick to share credit with her staff and members, stating that the club would not be as successful as it is today without the amazing help of staff and members’ support.