City officials have taken a significant step towards revitalizing the West Park tennis courts. These once-dilapidated courts are now set to undergo a much-needed renovation, with the hope of attracting players back to the courts. The $492,000 contract with a local paving company marks the beginning of a new era for West Park tennis.

Why the Renovation is Necessary

For at least five years, the West Park tennis courts have been in a state of disrepair. As Mayor Stanford “Randy” Tack mentioned at the Nov. 18 City Council meeting, “Those courts have been essentially unplayable. So there hasn’t been much use of any of those courts.” The severe cracking that goes into the base layer of asphalt is a clear indication of the need for immediate action. Chuck Myers, superintendent of parks and forestry, noted that the courts were likely installed at least 25 years ago, and it was time for an upgrade.The city has been reviewing the state of the West Park courts for some time. Both the parks and recreation board and the public works committee recommended the makeover to the City Council. The new courts will have a new drainage system, net posts, and fence, along with a new fiberglass practice wall. This will not only improve the playing conditions but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the park.

Meeting US Tennis Association Standards

Finally, the courts will be moved slightly to adhere to United States Tennis Association standards. Myers believes that the new courts should last about 15 to 20 years, providing long-term value for the city. In the future, the City plans to resurface the top coating of the courts every five years to extend their life and maintain a good play surface.There was some consideration for adding additional courts, but Myers said that due to the presence of existing memorials at the parks and utilities, it was not practical to add any more. Construction is scheduled to start in March, with the hope of completing it by May. This timely renovation is expected to bring new life to the West Park tennis courts and provide a much-needed recreational facility for the community.

Interest from School Districts

City Manager Jason Wicha mentioned that there has been some interest from the school districts in using the West Park tennis courts for tennis. As the courts at Deerpath Community Park have been converted for pickleball use, the West Park courts offer an alternative option for tennis players. This shows the potential for the renovated courts to become a popular destination for both local residents and school students.In conclusion, the renovation of the West Park tennis courts is a positive development for the city. With improved facilities and a renewed sense of community, these courts are set to become a hub for tennis enthusiasts once again. The careful planning and execution of this project ensure that the courts will meet the needs of players for years to come.