This series of slides shows the existing tennis courts as well as the way the courts would look after a $225,000 project is completed. | |
|
| It is possible the Henryetta tennis courts on Main Street could have an entirely new look by this coming fall. That is the schedule outlined by Mark Johnson to the Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA) Monday. Johnson was asking for help in the amount of $63,000 to meet the $225,000 needed for a new surface, fencing, restrooms and bleachers. "The project is a major benefit to the community," he said. "The tennis courts have been here for 60 years and time has taken a toll on the facility. Without a major overhaul, we will lose the courts," he said. Johnson, along with James McCullough and Mike Kennedy were representing the Henryetta Tennis Association. That group started the fundraising effort last spring and has picked up over $162,000 for the work. Of that money, the association spent $2,800 to purchase a lot just south of the court for future growth. |
| The former Henryetta tennis star told HEDA members the project would include four new courts of concrete, replacing the old fencing and backboard, restroom facility and addition of a six pole lighting system. "The new courts would be state of the art, built by professionals with post tension concrete poured over the existing court surface," he said. That should last for decades. Taking the place of the existing chain link fence would be new black, vinyl fencing with it moved on the west side to enclose a set of bleachers. On the south side a windscreen would be put in place. The backboard, a wall of concrete blocks presently built on the back of court four, would be moved to the fence line. No light poles would be next to the individual courts. Instead, the lights, three on the east and three on the west, would be built off the playing surface. A restroom facility as well as covered patio would be on the east side on a lot being donated by McCullough and his wife. "This can be a model example how city leaders and a group of citizens can improve the city," Johnson said. He explained the improvements would make the area more desirable for tournaments both for school as well as even a Labor Day event. "Henryetta once held the biggest tournament in the state, organized by Dr. Smith," he said. "You can promote this as making Henryetta a better place to live. If I had kids I would rather them be on Main Street instead of up by the high school," he added. Even though the tennis courts were resurfaced about 18 months ago, that was deemed a temporary fix and parts of the surface are already starting to break off. HEDA member Henry Koelzer said it would best to take the project to the city council for the Feb. 17 meeting. If the council directed HEDA to help with the funding, bring it back for ultimate approval. Johnson said the association would like to start the project at the end of summer. "That way we won't disrupt the summer tennis program. We will get the contractor on the calendar in mid to late August." He projected the entire project could be completed by the end of September. | |
