Marshall Parks and Recreation board approves bids to build new basketball courts

The new courts will be built in the same location as the current facility. There will be two complete courts, as well as three shooting stations, all enclosed by a fence.

Of the two bids submitted for construction on the project, Marshall's Thompson Construction Company was the lower, at $60,234.25. Viking Athletics of Marshall also submitted the lower of two bids for the equipment, at $10,400.

Parks Director Jeff Stubblefield said the new courts will be a good addition to the park, one that many patrons will be pleased with.

"That little court over there is used all the time," he said. "I think it's something we need to do."

Although a project start date has not been established, Stubblefield said that, weather permitting, the courts could likely be completed by the end of the summer.

In his report, Stubblefield told the board that the park's tennis courts are also in need of improvements.

"It's time for our tennis courts to be reconditioned," or resurfaced, he said.

It has been six years since the current surface coating was put on, and some cracks are beginning to occur.

Resurfacing is usually done between every four to six years, Stubblefield said.

He has asked for bids for the project, which could cost between $25,000 and $30,000. Although this is not a budgeted item, Stubblefield said the expenditure is necessary.

"We don't want to let them get bad," he said about the courts.

He added, "We have some money in the park improvement fund, too."

Also in his report, Stubblefield gave the results of the park's golf cart sale held Saturday, May 1.

"Considering the weather, we had an excellent turnout," he said.

He estimated the park netted about $18,000 in profit from the sale of the excess carts.

In her report, Recreation Supervisor Lori Godsey said the aquatic center will open May 22, and patrons will see a new feature at the pool then.

"The surprise should be here this week," she said, encouraging people to keep their eyes open for changes at the pool.

Godsey also reported on the park's summer day camp.

She said there are three full-time spots still open for the 10-week camp.

In new business, board President Mike Lamberson said he had been approached by the Evans family, the new owners of property abutting the park near the golf house.

They intend to build a lake on their property, as well as terracing that will drain into it, and had hoped to possibly begin the terraces on park property.

"They're trying to catch as much runoff from everywhere they can to help fill that lake," Lamberson said.

He said the terracing would likely help with drainage on golf course hole 18, as well as around the golf house.

"I see where it would benefit us," he said.

Board members agreed to schedule a meeting with the Evans' to discuss the matter further.

Park board members Sam Untiedt, John Angelhow, Wayne Crawford and Olive Malter were also present at the meeting.

The board's next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, June 2, at 7 a.m. in the park office.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net