New courts to open in September

West Shore News

New tennis courts at Ben Williams Park in Lakeside are running only slightly behind schedule but are projected do be open for play in September.

"Our original schedule of being completed by the end of August has been adjusted by a couple of weeks, but all things considered, we are doing very well," said Tamara Tanberg of the Lakeside Parks Advisory Committee. "Our committee is very pleased with the quality of work that's been done. Our contractors have been absolute professionals and have included extras, with attention to the fine points."

Tanberg said that these extras include the addition of a spectator area above the courts that will be planted in grass, an upgrade to the shaded seating area near the courts, and parking and road improvements that will provide a nearly level path into the courts. Tanberg reports that the Flathead Valley Community College excavation class, which is doing some of the work on the project, is finalizing its portion.

The committee just finished up a grant application to the United States Tennis Association and hopes to achieve some additional funds. The committee has been working with and advised by USTA planners and engineers since the beginning of the project. The project has been mostly funded by $40,000 allocated by the Flathead County Weed/Parks/Recreation Board. The board also committed $10,000 for future maintenance. The total cost of the project was originally estimated to be about $62,000. The rest of the funding for the project has come from local donations, but some funds still need to be raised to complete the project.

"We are very pleased with the donations coming in from the community, and those that have pledged money are coming forth with their generous contributions," Tanberg said.

The project is still short approximately $12,000. Current funds will allow the project to proceed through paving and fencing, but the additional money will need to be raised before a final surfacing contract can be made.

Funds are being collected in the Lakeside Community Development Foundation account at Flathead Bank. Donations can be made by mailing checks to Box 1002, Lakeside, MT 59922, or calling Flathead Bank at 844-1600.

The only other minor setback for the project has been an incident of graffiti on the courts' new walls about two weeks ago demanding a skate park. A report has been filed with the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, Tanberg said.

"It was discouraging," she said.

The graffiti will be painted over with a high quality paint after some more of the construction work is completed.