Tennis Court Renovations at Noyes Sports Complex
The tennis courts at the Noyes Sports Complex in St. Joseph, Missouri, are set to receive significant renovations as part of a focused upgrade to enhance the playing experience for local athletes. Jeff Atkins, the Parks Director for the city’s Parks and Recreation department, announced that the project will span approximately three to four weeks, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance.
“It is generally recommended to resurface and repair cracks in tennis courts every five to seven years,” he explained, noting that neglecting these repairs can lead to more severe and costly issues than simple surface wear.
New Lighting and Minimal Disruption
Alongside the resurfacing efforts, the project will introduce new LED lighting around both the tennis and horseshoe courts. Atkins mentioned that while the resurfacing work is expected to finish promptly, the installation of the new lights will take additional time. However, he reassured users that the courts will remain accessible throughout the lighting upgrade process.
In a bid to minimize disruption and expense, the existing posts at the tennis courts will be retained, allowing for a streamlined installation of new wiring without the need for extensive digging. These new LED lights are acknowledged for their efficiency, likely resulting in lower energy costs over time.
Funding and Usage Regulations
Funding for this initiative comes from the parks tax fund, supplemented by a contribution of $23,900 from the St. Joseph School District. Atkins noted an important point regarding court usage: when the courts are re-striped, no additional lines for pickleball will be included. This decision is made to adhere to regulations set by the United States Tennis Association, as the facility routinely hosts USTA tournaments which require courts to be exclusively designated for tennis play.
“We’re fortunate to be able to host USTA tournaments here, and as per their guidelines, the courts must remain free from any alternate markings,” Atkins confirmed.
