By Savannah Tradd | Photos courtesy of the families
In January, the Town of Windermere officially dedicated the Douglas Bowman Tennis Courts at the Windermere Recreation Center, honoring the late Doug Bowman for his decades of service and passion for the town’s tennis community. The event, hosted by Windermere’s Parks and Recreation Committee, brought together family, friends, and town leaders to celebrate Bowman’s lasting impact.
The ceremony began with an introduction by Sue Ann Reichard, co-chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, followed by heartfelt words of remembrance from Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien, Doug’s brother Buddy Bowman, longtime friend Gary Lobo, and his tennis partner Kaman Fotouhiuk. Each speaker shared personal stories about Bowman’s unwavering dedication to the sport, selfless commitment to mentoring young players, and deep love for the Windermere community.
Bowman, who passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 59, played a crucial role in developing Windermere’s youth tennis programs. Alongside Mary Hayes, he helped create and expand local tennis initiatives, ensuring that children in the community had access to high-quality coaching and a welcoming environment to develop their skills. Previous Parks and Recreation Chair, Nora Brophy, noted Bowman’s contributions, saying, “Doug was a huge supporter of kids’ tennis, and our kids' program was really formed by Doug Bowman and Mary Hayes.”
Following the dedication, MG Tennis hosted a tennis activity to honor Bowman’s love for the game. Marcelo Gouts, director of MG Tennis, along with coaches Brandon Waterhouse and Damon Ponzie, led participants in a tennis skills and drills clinic that highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship Bowman so passionately encouraged.
The renaming of the Windermere Recreation Center tennis courts to the Douglas Bowman Tennis Courts was first proposed in July 2023 by Council Member Mandy David and later approved by the Windermere Town Council. The initiative was supported by Town Manager Robert Smith, who emphasized that naming a public space in honor of someone’s dedication and volunteerism was a meaningful way to preserve their legacy.
The newly dedicated Douglas Bowman Tennis Courts is a testament to a man whose love for the sport and devotion to his community will continue to inspire generations of players. Through this tribute, Doug Bowman’s impact on Windermere remains as strong as ever, ensuring that his contributions to the town’s tennis community are never forgotten.
