Melania Trump unveils new White House tennis pavilion after Obama turned area into basketball court
MELANIA Trump has unveiled the White House’s new tennis pavilion – years after Barack Obama turned the area into a basketball court.
The first lady revealed in a statement on Monday morning that the project had been completed.
“I am pleased to announce the completion of the Tennis Pavilion on the White House grounds,” Melania Trump said in a statement.
“Thank you to all of the talented craftsmen who made this project possible and to the generous supporters of the White House.
“It is my hope that this private space will function as both a place of leisure and gathering for future First Families.”
The new building was inspired by the White House – particularly the East and West Wings, according to a statement.
According to the White House Historical Association, a tennis was installed under President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902.
Although it was initially behind the West wing, it moved to the west side of the south lawn in 1909.
When Obama was in the White House, he had lines painted on the tennis court and removable nets put in so he could play basketball.
Planning for the first lady’s project began in 2018, according to the White House.
In October of last year, Trump announced that ground had been broken on a new tennis pavilion project.
“I am pleased to announce the ground breaking of a new tennis pavilion on the White House grounds,” Trump said in a tweet.
“This structure will be a testament to American craftsmanship and skill.”
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A full plan detailing the new proposed project was released last year by the National Capital Planning Commission.
The White House said in a statement that the new pavilion “was funded by private donations.”
The Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service helped complete construction.