School board rejects petition to keep two Beverly Street courts open year‑round
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Natrona County School trustees voted to reject a citizen petition asking that at least two courts at the Beverly Street tennis/pickleball complex remain open year‑round, accepting staff recommendations that winterizing preserves the facility and limits liability and maintenance costs.
At a Natrona County School District #1 Board of Trustees meeting, trustees voted to reject a citizen petition requesting that at least two courts at the Beverly Street tennis and pickleball complex remain open and playable year‑round.
Associate Superintendent Amy Rose presented a report saying the 10‑court complex (including pickleball courts) cost about $4,175,000, opened in 2023 and is maintained with daily upkeep only during the on‑season (mid‑March through mid‑October). Rose told the board that leaving nets and windscreens up in winter shortens net lifespan, increases the risk of surface and pole‑sleeve damage from freeze‑thaw cycles, and could raise maintenance and liability costs. "My recommendation would be that because there are other available indoor facilities during the winter months, and for the above‑listed reasons ... the recommendation would be to continue our practice of winterizing the brand new tennis complex facility from mid October through mid March," Rose said.
Trustees asked whether rec‑board funds were used in the project (Amy Rose said CFO records indicate some rec funds were used) and whether indoor alternatives required membership. Board members also raised technical concerns about ice in pole sleeves and whether installing posts could seal holes; facilities staff said pole sleeves are currently capped to prevent debris and that courts are best preserved by fall crack repair and winterization.
After debate about liability, equipment costs and limited playable winter days in Casper, Chair Chris Stofferson moved to reject the petition to keep two courts open year‑round; Rusty Bollinger seconded the motion. The board took a voice vote; the transcript does not include a roll‑call tally but indicates the motion carried and the petition was rejected, with trustees noting the infrastructure committee may review the issue further.
The district will continue its current winterization practice for the Beverly Street complex pending any committee review. The petition was presented under Wyoming statute 21‑3‑110, which requires boards to consider petitions signed by at least five citizens and to take action if the question has not been considered in the current fiscal year.