By Jason Scheer
School board President James Scannell said the district is looking into securing grant money from the U.S. Tennis Association's Adopt-a-Court program. The funds would be used to renovate the courts.
Previously, the board seemed resigned to the decision of a facilities committee. The committee, which consisted of school district staff and members of the community, met from May through September 2003, visited district facilities and compiled a list of projects to include in the bond.
"The courts are not in danger at this point in time," Scannell said. He credited the efforts of Baldwin resident and Milburn neighbor Gerry Field. Field has been in frequent contact with Scannell as well as members of the administration. It was Field's letters that brought to light the possibility of USTA grant money. "We're really very pleased that the dialogue back and forth has resulted in that kind of revelation," Scannell said.
When he made the announcement, audience members applauded. Following the meeting, other residents who live near the school stood in line to shake Field's hand. "It was certainly encouraging," Field said of both the decision and the support. He added that he has met with hundreds of neighbors during the last two months in an effort to get the word out about the tennis courts.
Though encouraged, Field did express some apprehension. He said it seems like the board is more concerned about money issues than the sentiments of the community. He worries that if the grant money is not secured, then the courts will be a casualty, despite their popularity. "I didn't really hear them say much about respecting the community's input," he said. "We heard them say that 'Boy, we can get the money.'"
The courts, Field said, are a vital part of the local landscape. The reasoning that the courts should be demolished because they are not a part of the curriculum is "asinine," he said. "It was never part of the curriculum - it was always part of the community," he said. "Why should that change?"
Field said that if the money doesn't come through, people would continue to fight to stop the court's demolition. "We aren't going to lay down if this money disappears," he said.
Ed Cigna, assistant superintendent for business and administration, said there was no magic number for saving the courts. However, he said that the USTA is committed to preserving and furthering the cause of amateur tennis, which is a positive sign. In addition to using the funds at Milburn, Cigna said, the school district would be interested in using the money to aid in the renovation of the courts at the middle school and high school as well as the construction of two new courts at the high school. No construction will begin until the status of grant money is finalized.
Comments about this story? JScheer@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
