Town Meeting Article Seeks $400k for New Tennis Courts

Making up roughly two-thirds of Andover's overall public tennis courts, the Friends of Andover Tennis are making a strong effort to build support for an upcoming vote at Town Meeting to set funds aside to renovate the decrepit tennis courts. 

"Right now the courts are a disgrace—they are nearly 24 years old and unplayable. They are set too closely together. The surface is pitched and worn. Dangerous cracks pose a liability," reads a statement from the Friends of Andover Tennis. "Without renovation they will be closed for play in 2014."

The Freinds are trying to prepare voters for the upcoming Town Meeting vote, which will occur on May 6 or one of the following Town Meeting dates. 

"Please support this important investment to maintain basic infrastructure for community, youth, and school team tennis."

The tennis courts at Andover High School represent roughly two-thirds of Andover's overall public tennis courts. Roughly 800 youths use the courts throughout the year, in addition to the 400 adults that also take advantage of the courts. And among these include Andover's high school tennis teams which are top-ranked in Merrmiack Valley. 

Friends of Andover Tennis is donating $40,000 towards the proposed renovations and a Town Meeting warrant article will ask voters to fund the rest at roughly $400,000. However, the Friends are hoping that in-kind donations and additional cost reductions will further reduce the taxpayers’ share to under $350,000.

The tennis community is planning for the construction on the tennis court renovations to begin this July. To date, the project has not caused any expense to Andover taxpayers. 

"Quality public facilities make Andover a desirable place to live. Standing near the entrance to Andover High School, renovated AHS tennis courts will make a good statement about our community."

The Friends are supporting article 32 at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting on May 6 at the Collins Center.