Oct 13, 2020

New tennis court fencing to be complete by next February

Posted Oct 13, 2020 5:00 PM
The GBRC Board approved the purchase and installation of new tennis court fencing at Veterans Memorial Park. The new fencing should be in place by Feb. 1, 2021.
The GBRC Board approved the purchase and installation of new tennis court fencing at Veterans Memorial Park. The new fencing should be in place by Feb. 1, 2021.

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

When the Great Bend Recreation Commission sought out proposals to replace the fencing at the two sets of tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park in 2018, they heard back that it would cost approximately $70,000. Looking to replace the fencing now in 2020 following summer storm damage, the Rec Commission expected inflation on the earlier price. Turns out, the price dropped as the GBRC Board approved the low bid from Eldridge Fencing for $61,784.

Rec Commission Executive Director Diann Henderson says the new fencing will enclose the spectators as well.

"There will be two fences on the north side of the tennis court perimeters," said Henderson. "This will provide a spectator/player area. The internal fencing is eight feet, while the external is 10 feet high."

Eldridge will remove, replace and install the tennis court fencing and the Rec was approved for up to five percent of the bid to allow for change orders.

Storm-damaged tennis court fencing at Veterans Memorial Park.
Storm-damaged tennis court fencing at Veterans Memorial Park.

The project will also include concrete extensions for sidewalk and spectator areas around both tennis courts. The cement work will be handled by Concrete Services for $30,392. 

"We were  familiar with the vinyl-coated posts at the Great Bend Sports Complex," said GBRC Sports Director Chris Umphres. "You can actually peel that stuff off. We did not want to do that."

Rather than being sprayed on, the new product coating is fused on.

Henderson expected fencing work at the tennis courts to begin after Nov. 1 when the current lighting project at Vet’s Park is finished. The tennis court fencing is expected to be complete by Feb. 1, 2021.    

The original fencing at the park was installed in 1970.

Henderson noted they will continue to look for partners or donors for future improvements at the tennis courts that include custom windscreens, new signage, shade structures for spectators and a shed for the east courts.