BELLVILLE, Ohio — Repairs to three tennis courts in Bellville may be forthcoming, but not before spring.
Large cracks in the playing surface have made play sketchy, and sometimes pose a danger to players. Talk of a new school tennis facility is also gaining traction in the community.
The tennis courts are used by both the public and the Clear Fork tennis team. Bellville Village Council and the Clear Fork school district are discussing how to share costs to repair the surface of those courts.
Officials say they are committed to have repairs completed by the spring for the boy’s tennis season.
Bellville council member Larry Rose said the village is obligated to maintain the courts. A 1974 contract states the Village and school district share responsibilities to allow for both public and school use of the facility.
The contract obligates the Village for “major repairs,” including the playing surface and keeping the fence and gates in “good and sightly repair.” The school district’s responsibility is to maintain the markings, nets and “other fixtures.” Short-term repairs are estimated to be $17,000, while more extensive work would approach $50,000 said Mayor Darrell Banks.
Tennis coach Carl Gonzalez says the existing courts hurt the tennis team in two ways. First, cracks pose a risk of injury for players. He added that a member of the tennis team was injured last year after tripping on the damaged surface. Gonzalez said the Wooster tennis coach refused to play on the courts, because of the poor playing surface.
Also, the second limitation of the courts is their size.
“Three courts make it difficult for the athletes to get enough practice time,” Gonzalez said.
The ranks of the tennis team have grown, following a national trend. Gonzalez hopes a new facility can be constructed.
The school board discussed constructing new courts near their existing high school athletic facilities. Costs for a six-court configuration are expected to be $350,000-360,000 and paid for largely by donations.
The Clear Fork Board of Education agrees the existing courts need to be repaired before next season. Board members said they favor sharing the cost with Bellville up to at least $5,000.
Jim Klenk indicated he would support the district paying half of the expense if it ensures the courts are ready for the spring season.
The board did not take action on the request to repair the three courts in Bellville, but are in discussions with the Village. The district is considering at least one new elementary building, which members say is the priority before building a new tennis facility.
