Fannin County OKs up to $110,000 for two additional tennis courts at Blue Ridge City Park

At the July 8 meeting, Fannin County recreation director Eddie O'Neil asked commissioners to approve construction of two new tennis courts behind the existing courts at Blue Ridge City Park. O'Neil presented architectural drawings and asked for authorization of funding "in a not to exceed amount, 110,000," citing local demand and crowding at the two existing courts.

O'Neil said the additional courts would relieve congestion when school groups use the park and would serve a close-knit tennis community that has been playing at the existing facility for years. "It's really overcrowded the 2 courts at the city parks," he said, and added the expansion would address that demand.

A motion to approve the funding, with the amount capped at $110,000, carried after a second. Meeting discussion did not specify a construction start date beyond a brief exchange that suggested work would begin as schedules allow. The transcript did not clearly identify the funding account or source for the $110,000 at the meeting; the motion recorded the amount and approval but did not specify which fund or line item would be used.

Commissioners asked a few logistical questions about lights and hours; O'Neil said courts are open until dark and there is one existing light pole on site. He said the project team had prepared architectural drawings and that the quoted amount was to cover unforeseen site items such as electrical work.

The board approved the authorization to spend up to $110,000 and the project will proceed under county procurement rules.