By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
Caverna’s Board of Education maintained its focus on the district’s future projects, with the reconstruction of the schools’ decades-old tennis courts being a focal point.
By far the subject that garnered the most discussion from board members came from the acceptance of a bid from Tennis Technology Inc. to renovate the school’s tennis courts. The projected cost for the construction is $196,848. The amount represents the work the company foresees to rebuild the courts from the ground up.
More than half the cost could be covered via a grant from the United States Tennis Association. The grant would cover up to $100,000 of the price, according to Terry Bunnell, director of the Weldon Tennis Association. While the district has yet to receive a grant award letter, Bunnell said that due to the location and the court’s disrepair, Caverna is a “prime candidate.”
Bunnell’s interest in the court revitalization extends beyond a business interest. “I am a Caverna alumnus and I learned how to play tennis on those very courts, and I’ll tell you that being on those courts taught me leadership, responsibility and how to be involved in my community.”
His passion for the project has been apparent since the beginning as he has rallied the community to donate toward the courts’ reconstruction. As of the March 13 meeting he said he has raised over $4,000 toward the project, adding that potential investors are looking for a commitment from the district.
“The way I see it, we have invested in baseball, football and our gym, so this is our last athletic facility that needs major attention,” said Superintendent Amanda Abell. “Not only would these courts be for our schools, they would also be available to the community.”
Tennis coach Danielle Carver pointed out that since the resurgence of interest in the sport, she now has nearly 10 students excited to engage with the sport.
Bunnell said tennis can be played at any age. “It’s a lifelong sport, I’m 63-years old and I’m still playing and giving lessons.”
Questions were raised by board member Alison Dennison about the cost for which the district would be responsible.
“I’m all for the tennis courts and want to support them, but you’re looking at a $200,000 project and it says that it doesn’t include the layout or inspection.” She went also pointed out within the bid the phrase, “Prices are subject to change.”
Speaking on Dennison’s caution, Bunnell said that he understands her points as the district would be committing taxpayer dollars. He went on to compare her dilemma to his position on the Glasgow Common Council. “I know what it takes to spend taxpayer dollars, I myself am a taxpayer to the Caverna district, but I see the lifelong benefit that would be awarded to these student athletes.”
With some further discussion the board agreed to commit to the bid, with the stipulation that should Tennis Technology exceed 10-percent of the stated bid, the board would reconvene to revisit its investment.
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