Dozens of well-wishers braved snow flurries and a cold breeze Monday as the Kyle C. Testerman Tennis Complex at Tyson Park was officially dedicated.

One of Tyson Park's benchmark assets is its 14 tennis courts. It's the largest outdoor hard court facility in Knoxville, and Tyson has hosted four United States Tennis Association state tournaments each of the last two years. Tyson has been recognized with USTA's Outstanding Facility Award, and these courts every year host local league matches, high school matches, junior team tennis and adult league matches, the Volunteer Classic, sanctioned tournaments, and lessons, clinics and camps. 

Mayor Testerman has been an ardent player all his life, including as a student-athlete with the University of Tennessee. It runs in the family: His son, Ben, who spoke at today's ceremony, won 21 national championships in USTA tournaments, was the top-ranked junior in the world and was ranked among the world's two dozen best professional players, advancing to the semifinals of the 1984 Australian Open. 

Mayor Testerman also was a successful lawyer and businessman, a City Councilman from 1969 to 1971, and a two-term Mayor, serving split terms - the first from 1972 to 1975, then again from 1984 to 1987. 

He got the ball rolling on the World's Fair in his first term, and in both terms, his actions helped to preserve and recreate our downtown. Mayor Testerman's Downtown Plan led to the rejuvenation of Gay Street, the construction of the TVA Towers and the City County Building, and the long-term renovation of Market Square. 

Be sure to check out the new plaque unveiled today at Tyson Park honoring Mayor Testerman's service.

Click here to view a Facebook photo gallery of today's event.