Hoping to combine the elements of fun and tennis, organizers are holding Fun Tennis Night every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the four outdoor courts at Milner Recreation Center.

Tennis enthusiast and longtime coach David Dunlap is one of the driving forces behind organizing the weekly gatherings, which look to foster fellowship and friendly competition.

Randal and Christi Gilliam were among the 18 participants who showed up Tuesday night, as was prominent local physician Todd Stewart.

Scot MacDonald made his first appearance Tuesday and said he enjoyed the night.

“It was a nice mix of skill levels from people who are just starting out to people who have played tennis for most of their life,” said MacDonald. “We rotated to a different court every 20 minutes so that provided a chance to play with different partners and to play against different opponents. A bi g part of tennis is the social aspect of it and this was a great chance to talk and mingle.”

MacDonald said the night officially lasts two hours, but he stayed about 45 minutes longer to continue hitting with another player.

“The people who are more experienced tennis players were very encouraging to the newcomers,” said MacDonald, who has played tennis for years. “I started playing in junior high but I’m just now starting to reconnect and get back into it, to get tennis back on my radar. This is a great way to do it. It’s also an opportunity to meet people. With all the new folks we have moving into town, this would be a great thing for them if they like tennis.”

Fun Tennis Night is every Tuesday, weather permitting. Milner Recreation Center is formerly McMinnville Civic Center.