The third phase of improvements at the Henryetta tennis courts is nearly ready to start.
A $40,000 restroom facility is planned and Tennis Association member Mike Kennedy received approval from the Henryetta Economic Development Authority to get $25,000 for the project.
At a meeting Monday morning, Kennedy said the association, along with some HEDA funding, has already spent around $300,000 putting in new lights, courts, fencing and a pavilion at the West Main location.
tennis pavilion“The restrooms are needed and would be a very important addition,” to the complex, he said. Since the courts were reconstructed and improvements made, Henryetta has been hosting a number of events including the 4A state regional tournament for two years. He said those tournaments brought in players from eight schools for two days as well as coaches and the 60 to 80 parents and spectators. “Grove high school brought two buses here for the regional tournament and spent two nights here,” he said.
In addition, the summer tennis program has seen some 150 children daily with participants from Henryetta as well as Okemah, Wilson, Schulter, Okmulgee, Dewar and Weleetka.
“This will also make it a safer place for the kids.” Currently the children participating in the summer tennis program and the various tournaments have to use facilities at a business across Main Street.”
The new restrooms would meet the codes from the American with Disabilities Act and would include a storage area for cleaning supplies as well as tennis equipment. He suggested future plans could include installation of a vending machine and ice maker.
HEDA funding would be included in the nearly $20,000 already raised from private donations.
When completed the restroom facility would include two unisex restrooms enclosed by a 14 by 17 foot building located just to the southeast of the pavilion. Part of the funds would also be used to pay for landscaping, drainage and fencing.
Following HEDA approval, the plan will go to the city council for their okay. HEDA funds would reimburse the city since the request was not a budgeted item.