Local group asks Parks and Recreation board for support to repair city tennis courts

Liz Wishman, representing the volunteer group Big Sky Big Leadership, told the Broadwater County Parks and Recreation Board on Feb. 5 that the group is preparing a phased plan to repair the city tennis courts and will seek grants and local contributions.

Wishman said the group’s near-term goal is to fill cracks this summer so the courts remain usable for practice, while a longer-term plan would excavate roughly 3 feet and install a concrete base. “One of the bids was $235,000 and we have to take out the floor and, do some of the initial work ourselves,” she said, adding that another full-build bid came back around $410,000.

The board said it could not take funding action at the meeting but offered to consider a formal letter of support. “We can't vote on that tonight,” one board member said. The board suggested Wishman meet with city staff to confirm that work on the courts falls under city jurisdiction; the board noted the courts are on city park land and any physical changes will require city permission.

Wishman estimated the cost of filling cracks this summer at roughly “somewhere between 4 and 6,000,” and said the group is budgeting about $7,000 for the initial patching. She said the group expects to pursue outside grants for the heavier work and welcomed the board’s help with a recommendation for grant applications. The board encouraged the group to contact county and local grant resources and suggested Stacy Summers as a contact with grant-writing experience.

The board did not commit county funds. It advised the group to coordinate next steps with city officials and to return with a written proposal if it seeks a formal letter or other support.

The board also recommended the group document bids, anticipated timeline and any required city approvals before requesting a formal county motion or letter of support.