A group of tennis enthusiasts has purchased The Racket and Fitness Center on Congress Street in Portland.

The facility, one of the largest racket sports facilities north of Boston, is now owned by several local families who have been active in the local tennis community, according to a release from one of the owners.

Among them are Jeff Lederer of Portland, David Champoux of North Yarmouth, Ayres Stockly of Cumberland, Angus Garfield of Cape Elizabeth, Wyatt Garfield of Portland and Stephan Woods of Scarborough. Woods has been named club manager and will oversee the day-to-day activities at the facility, which includes developing new junior tennis programs, facility improvements, growing adult tennis involvement and expanding fitness options.

The group purchased the facility from Jody Sataloff of Cape Elizabeth, who ran the center for 20 years. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Since the purchase, the facility has launched the Apex Junior Tennis Academy, a program designed to provide high-level instruction to top junior tennis players. Ben Cox has been hired as director of junior development and a teaching tennis pro, joining the facility’s existing tennis staff.

The Racket and Fitness Center was built in 1973 and expanded a year later. It includes nine indoor tennis courts, seven racquetball courts, a fitness facility and wallyball courts.

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