EDITORIAL: Tennis facility deserves support

By reversing an earlier decision, North Whidbey Park and Recreation District commissioners gave some hope to area tennis players.

At first, commissioners rejected a plan from Whidbey Island Tennis Association’s Fred Henninger, a Park Board member, to operate an indoor tennis facility should supporters find the money to build one. But upon further consideration, the board decided last month to lend its support to the effort after receiving assurances that it would not be left holding the bag on tennis-related expenses. The district would operate the facility on a break-even basis, but that’s all.

Oak Harbor School District is also involved in the effort, as it has land available that could be leased to the Park District for the tennis facility. Since the facility would benefit both student athletes and the community at large, the lease fee would be nominal.

Tennis supporters now have the go-ahead to start raising private money to build the indoor courts. This will be no small task as the price tag is an estimated $1.5 million, but Henninger for one is optimistic the goal can be achieved.

An indoor tennis facility is a worthwhile goal for the community. Tennis is a sport that kids off all ages can enjoy at comparatively little expense for equipment. With year-around practice available, our student tennis players could get in enough practice to compete against the best statewide. And our adult tennis players could stay fit all year by participating in their favorite sport.

Indoor tennis courts are just another way to make Oak Harbor an even better place to live. The project is worthy of the community’s support.

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