The City will officially rename the facility the Bradley T. Dantzler Tennis Center in recognition of his years of service and his advocacy for tennis, pickleball, and quality-of-life investments across Winter Haven.
The City of Winter Haven will hold a rededication ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Tennis Center, 209 Ave F NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881, where the facility will officially be renamed the Bradley T. Dantzler Tennis Center in honor of former Mayor and City Commissioner Brad Dantzler.
The renaming recognizes Dantzler’s nearly 13 years of service on the City Commission, including eight years as mayor, and his lasting impact on recreation and quality-of-life investments throughout Winter Haven. The City Commission approved the naming through Resolution R-25-56 after recognizing Dantzler’s support for major recreation improvements across the city and his direct role in advancing the tennis center project.
The ceremony will include opening remarks, the reading of the resolution, remarks honoring Dantzler’s legacy, special remarks from Dantzler, and the unveiling of the new facility sign. Guests will also have an opportunity for photos following the unveiling.
“This rededication honors a leader whose commitment to Winter Haven helped shape many of the recreational spaces and amenities our residents enjoy today,” said Brian Yates, Mayor. “Brad Dantzler understood that quality of life matters, and he consistently supported investments that created more opportunities for people to be active, connected, and proud of their community.”
Dantzler first joined the City Commission in 2013 and was later re-elected in 2017 and 2021. During his time in office, he supported major recreation-based capital improvements throughout the city, including projects at the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center, Chain of Lakes Park, the Winter Haven Recreation & Community Center, Reuben Williams Sports Complex, Sertoma Park, Lake Conine Nature Park, Lake Elbert Trail, MLK Park, South Central Park, Davis Park, and others.
He was also a strong advocate for both tennis and pickleball facilities. Dantzler was instrumental in securing funds for the new tennis center and served as a City Commission liaison for the overall project. The City began redeveloping the former tennis facility in 2017 and officially opened the new center in May 2018, expanding recreational opportunities through clay tennis courts and the addition of pickleball courts.
The rededication reflects the City’s desire to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and to recreation in Winter Haven. It also creates a lasting tribute at a facility closely tied to Dantzler’s advocacy and public service.
What residents need to know
- The rededication ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- The event will take place at the Tennis Center, 209 Ave F NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.
- The facility will officially become the Bradley T. Dantzler Tennis Center.
- The ceremony will include remarks, a resolution reading, a sign unveiling, and photo opportunities.
- Guests will be invited to stay briefly after the program for refreshments and photos.
