A citizen-led project to renovate Williamson Park’s tennis courts, believing it would be an excellent asset to the community, was proposed at August’s Morrisville Borough Council meeting.
Thomas Lagarde, joined by his wife, proposed that the current tennis courts at Williamson Park are unsafe at this time and renovating them would greatly benefit the borough.
Lagarde explains that tennis is one of his passions. It is an affordable and wonderful sport that provides socializing, develops confidence and keeps both the mind and body active and accessible for all ages.
He added that an international study showed the life expectancy of tennis players was almost 10 years longer than those who play various other sports.
He went on and explained that to his knowledge, Morrisville does not have free public courts in playable conditions at this time and is proposing to build four new courts in the same location which are located in the fenced area next to the southernmost basketball courts.
The citizen-led project would organize affordable tennis classes for everybody, Lagarde said.
Three local schools might use the courts, perhaps even the high school team. Overall, the park needs enhancement and this would help, Lagarde said.
The tennis enthusiast said he’s explored the potentiality of partnering with the US Tennis Association, whose mission is to promote tennis by improving accessibility.
They were approached and are fully supportive, said Lagarde. Also they’re ready to help with both the rebuilding and organizing programs once the courts are ready, he said.
The Lagardes consulted several contractors, three of whom assessed the site with them. They all agreed that a full tear down is required and rebuilding is necessary.
Some price quotes were provided and Lagarde presented the general numbers said, based on private wages, the total project cost for four courts with asphalt is approximately $440,000 US. This comes to about $110,000 per court.
There will be additional costs if the courts were made of concrete instead of asphalt. Concrete courts would cost more but offer greater durability. Also if the project is funded by public money instead of private, the USDA funds up to $35,000 per court, totaling $140,000 for four courts, according to the Lagardes.
“That’s a great opportunity that we should not miss out on. Lots of lots of money but leaves us with a gap of about $300,000.” “If we secured funding this year, we could have courts by June next year,” Lagarde said,.
Lagarde said pursuing corporate sponsorships and fundraising to close the $300,000 gap, also “respectfully asking the borough to consider contributing whether through funding, labor and/or materials for this important community asset.”
In conclusion, they are looking for motivated individuals to join them in this effort. Sponsors, donors, and anyone interested in helping bring this project to life are welcome, Lagarde said.
Council was receptive to the idea and appreciative of the couple “for taking on this initiative…..and thought it was something needed for Williamson Park.”
Members noted the potential added benefits such as tournaments that would bring visitors to the borough who may continue to shop, eat, spend money bringing outside dollars to the borough.
Editor’s Note: Publisher/Editor Jeff Bohen contributed to this report.