PORT ANGELES – As soon as the newly cut ribbon fell to the ground on Wednesday, eager players rushed to try out Erickson Playfield’s new tennis courts at Third and Race streets.
“When I started on this job, I said if we can get some grants we can do this, and here we are two years later,” said Bill Sterling, retiring city deputy director of recreation.
The $215,256 project included resurfacing the aged surface and reconfiguring the five courts into four that now meet United States Tennis Association standards.
It was funded with $146,756 from the city, $46,400 in United States Tennis Association grants and $27,100 in Peninsula Tennis Club donations.
Peninsula Tennis Club president Laurel Cripe said the club wanted to get more people out playing tennis, not just provide its members with a better place to play.
“It’s for the community, not just us,” she said.
Spectator bleachers and an equipment shed will be added when they have the money and lights will be added “very very soon,” Cripe said.
“Picture bleachers and lights and these courts full of players,” she said.
“The tennis club is committed to keeping these courts full and our work has just begun.”
The Peninsula Tennis Club also plans a “Grand Opening Tennis Festival” next spring, Cripe said.
Lakeside Industries of Port Angeles was the primary contractor, and subcontrators were Olympic Electric Co. Inc. of Port Angeles and SJB Construction of Forks.
