Council here is supportive of a proposal to build a tennis court/ice surface facility in Glen Allan Park and agreed to consider a request for funding in its 2013 budget deliberations.
Council heard a proposal from Carla Schott of the Glen Allan Parks Association at the Jan. 22 meeting. The association would like to create a tennis court, which could be converted to an ice rink in the winter months. The group would like the municipality to split the estimated $60,000 cost of the project.
The group has raised about $22,500 since first presenting the idea to the Parks, Culture and Recreation Committee (PCRC) in October, “so there’s definitely interest in the project,” said Schott.
“I believe we have commitment for the $30,000 – half the cost of the project,” stated Schott. “We are asking council for financial support to match the $30,000 that the group has raised. We would work with the director of public works to have this work completed this spring.”
The association proposes to look after the tennis court, using money raised through fundraisers. The association will look after making ice in the winter and the interior maintenance of the tennis court.
The group suggests building the 110’ x 60’ facility close to the playground so adult tennis players can keep an eye on their children while using the court.
Public works director Larry Lynch said the local parks and recreation committee is very impressed with the Glen Allan group’s efforts.
“We basically said show us the money. To raise $23,000 in a couple of months is just unbelievable,” said Lynch, adding he is prepared to work with the group on getting any necessary approvals from the Grand River Conservation Authority. Lynch also said Mapleton staff are behind the project.
“We run the park anyway. From a staff perspective, we’ll be very supportive,” he stated.
“It’s good to see the community support you’ve put together. Now it becomes a budgeting issue,” said Mayor Bruce Whale.
Councillor Mike Downey urged council to indicate support in principal for the project, in addition to including the funding request in budget discussions.
Council passed a resolution accepting a PCRC recommendation to provide matching funding up to a maximum project cost of $60,000, “contingent on budget approval.”
