CLINTON, Iowa - In preparation for the addition of its intercollegiate men's and women's tennis programs, Ashford University has assumed ownership of the Clinton YMCA's Tennis Center, located at 315-321 4th Avenue South in Clinton.

"The opportunity for Ashford to assume ownership of this facility couldn't have come at a better time," said John Ballheim, Ashford University vice president and campus director. "We will be adding men's and women's tennis in the fall semester and having an indoor tennis complex will be a boon to the programs."

Ballheim also noted that the center was designed to meet all United States Tennis Association specifications which will allow Ashford University to host tournaments there.

"And, of course, we will want to make this great facility available as a community resource as well," he added.

Ten years ago, the Armstrong Curtis Foundation built the tennis facility on land owned by the YMCA and then gifted the building to the organization. The Clinton Family YMCA announced in early April that it would cease membership operations on May 1 and dispose of assets owned by the corporation, according to board chair, Carol Machael.

"We are excited to have been offered this opportunity to acquire a tennis center that's right in the heart of Clinton," Ballheim said. "This further demonstrates Ashford University's commitment to the city of Clinton."

No financial details of the transaction were released. With the addition of men's and women's tennis, Ashford will have a total of 17 intercollegiate sports.