Parks department reports tennis-court irrigation failures; residents offer to help fund repairs

Parks staff told the commission on Sept. 10 that Mead Park’s clay tennis courts suffered unusually poor conditions this summer after a new irrigation installation and pump-control failures delayed nightly watering, leaving the courts dry and prone to cracking.

The presenter said the irrigation pump that failed has been restored but noted clay courts require nightly watering to bind the surface: when the system failed the courts “get hard and crack,” and tape and edge repairs become a safety concern. Staff said they plan to replace dated tapes and perform stairway and netting repairs this off-season and will go out to bid for larger contractor work.

Why it matters: clay courts require regular, sometimes nightly, maintenance for safe play. The parks presenter said maintenance lapses and debris from overhanging trees have increased upkeep needs and expressed intent to make longer-term repairs and irrigation improvements.

Pickleball and other facilities: staff showed preliminary designs for up to six pickleball courts at the Paddle Port area; initial plans call for four courts with room to add two later, and two courts would occupy some parking space. The presenter also reported a busy pool season (about 37,000 user visits) and that Kiwanis water tests and programming went without forced closures this year.

Public comment and offer of assistance: Kurt Carr, a resident and Mead Park men’s tennis club organizer, described a thriving local club that has expanded to multiple teams and tallied hundreds of matches and roster spots over six seasons. Carr offered club support for maintenance and fundraising: “We'd like to get involved with helping make the courts... If it's a question of money or you need helping hands down, we're willing to do it,” he said. Club representatives noted tree trimming, tape replacement and regular watering as priority items.

Next steps: staff will proceed with necessary repairs, pursue contractor bids for larger work and continue planning for pickleball court design. Club members and staff agreed to coordinate on specific maintenance tasks and potential fundraising support.

Ending: commissioners thanked staff and the tennis club for the offer of help and encouraged continued coordination on court maintenance and capital planning.